Computer science

Optics

Confocal

Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy

Detector

Resolution (logic)

Microscopy

Fluorescence microscope

Artificial intelligence

Super-resolution microscopy

Confocal microscopy

Scanning confocal electron microscopy

Materials science

Microscope

Fluorescence

Physics

Image resolution

Nature Methods

Image scanning microscopy (ISM) can improve the effective spatial resolution of confocal microscopy to its theoretical limit. However, current implementations are not robust or versatile, and are incompatible with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). We describe an implementation of ISM based on a single-photon detector array that enables super-resolution FLIM and improves multicolor, live-cell and in-depth imaging, thereby paving the way for a massive transition from confocal microscopy to ISM. A single-photon detector array enables robust and versatile image scanning microscopy (ISM) on any confocal microscope. This implementation makes super-resolution FLIM possible and eases a transition from confocal microscopy to ISM.

A robust and versatile platform for image scanning microscopy enabling super-resolution FLIM