Scanless lattice light sheet microscopy

Abstract

Over the last decade, powerful new microscopes have dramatically sharpened biologists' focus on the molecules that animate and propel life [1]. The techniques have improved biologists' ability to visually track the movements of cells' tiniest structures. Noticeably, a new imaging platform, “lattice light sheet microscopy” demonstrated by Chen et al. has shown the ability to collect high-resolution images rapidly and minimizes damage to cells, meaning it can image the three-dimensional activity of molecules, cells, and embryos in fine detail over longer periods [2]. However, in order to construct such a lattice light sheet microscope, a lot of optics components needed to be used since there are at least three 4-f (f is focal length) system required, which makes optical alignment complicated. Here, we would like to present a simplified lattice light sheet microscopy, which removes two galvanometers in the lattice light sheet microscopy system, meaning that two 4-f systems are exempted to have a lattice light sheet microscopy free from scanning mechanically.