A new expanded point information content design approach for 3D live-cell microscopy at video rates

Through a combination of optical design and algorithm development, a new expanded point information content (EPIC) microscope has been developed that is capable of extending the depth of field while simultaneously super locating the depth position of complex biological objects to within an accuracy of 75 nm. The data is then combined to form 3D animations of live-cell biological specimens. This is accomplished without the need to acquire multi-focal image stacks and is thus well suited for high-speed imaging.