Multi-plane encoded light-sheet microscopy with acousto-optics

Light-sheet microscopes with an extended depth of field (EDOF) offer a simple but powerful route toward fast volumetric imaging. However, methods for EDOF typically result in a loss of signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we propose a parallelization strategy as a simple solution. By illuminating multiple acoustically generated light sheets at different axial positions within the EDOF, and following an encoding sequence, information from several in-focus planes can be simultaneously retrieved. After applying a decoding algorithm, volumetric images are reconstructed with enhanced signal and level of detail. Our strategy paves the way for exploiting the full speed capabilities of EDOF light-sheet systems.