Abstract: A method is disclosed for acquiring a single, in-focus two-dimensional projection image of a live, three-dimensional cell culture sample, with a fluorescence microscope. One or more long-exposure “Z-sweep” images are obtained, i.e. via a single or series of continuous acquisitions, while moving the Z-focal plane of a camera through the sample, to produce one or more two-dimensional images of fluorescence intensity integrated over the Z-dimension. The acquisition method is much faster than a Z-stack method, which enables higher throughput and reduces the risk of exposing the sample to too much fluorescent light. The long-exposure Z-sweep image(s) is then input into a neural network which has been trained to produce a high-quality (in-focus) two-dimensional projection image of the sample.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for acquiring a single, in-focus two-dimensional projection image of a live, three-dimensional cell culture sample, with a fluorescence microscope. One or more long-exposure “Z-sweep” images are obtained, i.e. via a single or series of continuous acquisitions, while moving the Z-focal plane of a camera through the sample, to produce one or more two-dimensional images of fluorescence intensity integrated over the Z-dimension. The acquisition method is much faster than a Z-stack method, which enables higher throughput and reduces the risk of exposing the sample to too much fluorescent light. The long-exposure Z-sweep image(s) is then input into a neural network which has been trained to produce a high-quality (in-focus) two-dimensional projection image of the sample.