An optical microscope is characterized by its three dimensional transfer function, namely Point Spread Function (PSF), which describes how points in the acquired image are distorted throughout the acquisition process. The PSF is the fundamental element for deconvolution, an algorithm for image restoration which is widely applied in life science imaging. The PSFs of different types of optical microscopes (widefield, confocal, two-photons) have a common double-cone shape and show a central symmetry. However, different factors can alter this ideal shape and translate in PSF’s deformation and/or inclination and in loss of symmetry. Possible factors for PSF alteration are the mismatch of optical refractive indexes between sample mounting medium and objective medium, microscope’s components misalignment or objective’s chipping. Consequently, the acquisition and analysis of a microscope’s PSF in time is an optimal method to monitor and evaluate the state of the machine and of the objectives. The aim of this project is to individuate quantitative parameters for the evaluation and comparison of experimental PSFs acquired in time on different machines. The student will work at the BioImaging and Optics platform of the Life Science faculty. The large part of the project will consist in Matlab programming, and there will be the possibility of using a confocal microscope.
This project is in colalaboration between the BioImaging and Optics platform and the Laboratoire d'Optique Appliquée. Requisites: course in image processing and general knowledge in programming.