Rapid quantum image scanning microscopy by joint sparse reconstruction

Abstract

The evolution of experimental superresolution microscopy has been accompanied by the development of advanced computational imaging capabilities. Recently introduced, quantum image scanning microscopy (Q-ISM) has successfully harnessed quantum correlations of light to establish an improved viable imaging modality that builds upon the preceding image scanning microscopy (ISM) superresolution method. While offering improved resolution, at present the inherently weak signal demands exhaustively long acquisition periods. Here we exploit the fact that the correlation measurement in Q-ISM is complementary to the standard ISM data, acquired simultaneously, and demonstrate joint sparse recovery from Q-ISM and ISM images. Reconstructions from images of fluorescent quantum dots are validated through correlative electron microscope measurements, and exhibit superior resolution enhancement as compared to Q-ISM images. In addition, the algorithmic fusion facilitates a drastic reduction in the requisite measurement duration, since low signal-to-noise-ratio Q-ISM measurements suffice for augmenting ISM images. Finally, we obtain enhanced superresolved reconstructions from short scans of a biological sample labeled with quantum dots, demonstrating the potential of our method for quantum imaging in life science microscopy.