Abstract: In an example embodiment an objective lens includes one or more lenses, an outer housing, and a mask. The outer housing is configured to encompass at least the one or more lenses. The mask is to shape a point spread function (PSF) of the objective lens to define an engineered PSF (ePSF) of the objective lens. In another example embodiment, a method includes directing light from a scene through an optical system that includes the objective lens. The optical system generates the PSF that varies based on depth within the scene. The method includes generating, using a light detector, an image of the scene from the light that passes through the optical system. The method includes estimating a property of one or more objects within the scene from the image of the scene.

Abstract: An optical system may include an objective lens, a camera, and an optical element. The objective lens may include a back focal plane. The camera may capture an image representative of a biological sample. The optical element may be optically coupled to the back focal plane. The optical element may extend a depth of field defined by the objective lens and maintain light throughput to permit the camera to capture the image representative of the biological sample within the extended depth of field.

Abstract: An imaging target for characterization of an optical system has a structure, formed on a substrate, wherein the structure has a base level and has one or more staging surfaces spaced apart from the base level and disposed over a range of distances from the base level; and one or more localized light sources disposed along the one or more staging surfaces of the structure and configured to direct light through or from the structure.

Abstract: An imaging target for characterization of an optical system has a structure, formed on a substrate, wherein the structure has a base level and has one or more staging surfaces spaced apart from the base level and disposed over a range of distances from the base level; and one or more localized light sources disposed along the one or more staging surfaces of the structure and configured to direct light through or from the structure.

Abstract: An imaging target for characterization of an optical system has a structure, formed on a substrate, wherein the structure has a base level and has one or more staging surfaces spaced apart from the base level and disposed over a range of distances from the base level; and one or more localized light sources disposed along the one or more staging surfaces of the structure and configured to direct light through or from the structure.