Deconvolution in Optical Microscopy

Deconvolution is an image processing technique used to improve the contrast and resolution of images captured using an optical microscope. Out of focus light causes blur in a digital image. Mathematically, this can be represented as a convolution operation. Deconvolution eks to remove or reassign this out of focus light present in digital images, thus improving the resolution of the final micrograph. Nearly all fluorescence images can be deconvolved, with advanced techniques like confocal and super-resolution also realizing the benefits of deconvolution.
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Deconvolution in Optical Microscopy

Introduction to Deconvolution

This overview introduces you to the concept and applications of deconvolution in the field of microscopy.

Algorithms for Deconvolution

Learn the intricacies of the most commonly used deconvolution algorithms, including deblurring and image restoration.

Overcoming Aberrations and Deconvolution Artifacts

This section discusses the role optical aberrations and their resulting image artifacts play during deconvolution processing.

Measuring Resolution of Deconvolved Images

The success of deconvolution can be empirically measured using sub resolution fluorescent beads.

Review Articles

Deconvolution Resources

Listed in this section are links to web resources on deconvolution analysis, including software packages, hardware (microscopes and accessories), and laboratories involved with the technology.

Literature References

A number of review articles on deconvolution in optical microscopy have been published by researchers in the field and were utilized as references for this section.

Contributing Authors

Wes Wallace - Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912.
Lutz H. Schaefer - Advanced Imaging Methodology Consultation, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Jason R. Swedlow - Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 EH5 Scotland.
Thomas J. Fellers and Michael W. Davidson - National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 East Paul Dirac Dr., The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 32310.