Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Zernike polynomials are a sequence of orthogonal polynomials that play a crucial role in optics and in particular in modeling microscopy systems. Introduced by Frits Zernike in 1934, they are particularly useful in expressing wavefront aberrations and thus imperfections of imaging systems. However, their origin and properties are rarely discussed and proven. Here, we present a novel approach to Zernike polynomials using variational calculus, and apply them to describe aberrations in fluorescence microscopy. In particular, we model the impact of various optical aberrations on the performance of one-photon and two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy. SIGNIFICANCE This manuscript explores the mathematical derivation of Zernike polynomials and highlights their critical role in describing optical wavefronts and aberrations, particularly in the domain of optical microscopy. Special emphasis is placed on their utility in simulating the effects of aberrations on one-photon and two-photon excitation fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Source: Biophysical Journal
Authors: Ivan Gligonov, Jörg Enderlein
Language: English
Subfield: Biophysics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
Funders: International Max Planck Research School for Environmental, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, European Commission, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, European Research Council, Horizon 2020, H2020 European Research Council, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
OpenAlex ID: W4401728812