A new multiphoton, super-resolution microscope has been developed at the University of Leicester that is capable of multicolour, super-resolution imaging at high speeds to depths of up to 0.5 mm. It provides an up to two-fold improvement in lateral (xy) and axial (z) resolution compared to existing multiphoton microscopes. It is highly versatile allowing users to choose between optimum speed for functional imaging of living tissue or optimum resolution at lower speeds. It can scan in standard multiphoton mode with a large field of view at speeds of up to 80 frames per second or defined points of interest identified by super-resolution imaging at speeds of up to 30 kHz. It can also be used for programmable photoactivation for the release of caged compounds or optogenetic control of excitable tissues. A cost-effective single photon version is also available for use with thinner specimens.
