Three-dimensional imaging using swept, confocally aligned planar excitation and sample perturbation

Abstract

In some embodiments, a SCAPE system routes light from a tilted intermediate image plane to an infinity space disposed behind a third objective. A first beam splitter positioned in the infinity space routes light from the intermediate image plane with different wavelengths in different directions. First and second light detector arrays capture first and second wavelength images, respectively, and optical components route light having the first and second wavelength towards the first and second light detectors, respectively. In some embodiments, a SCAPE system is used to capture a plurality of images while a sample is perturbed (e.g., vibrated, deformed, pushed, pulled, stretched, or squeezed) in order to visualize the impact of the perturbation on the sample.