Ljusfältmikroskopi

Ljusfältmikroskopi is a microscopy technique that records light field information, allowing for post‑capture refocusing and three‑dimensional visualization. Unlike conventional bright‑field microscopy, which records only intensity, the light‑field camera captures both the spatial and angular distribution of light rays at each point in the image. This is typically achieved by inserting a microlens array between the objective lens and the sensor, or by using a plenoptic camera architecture.

The principle behind the technique relies on sparse sampling of the optical field. Each microlens focuses a bundle of rays onto a small cluster of pixels, encoding directional information. Image reconstruction algorithms then recover depth cues and generate focus‑stacked images, virtual reality displays, or optical sectioning without mechanical scanning.

Key advantages include the ability to refocus after acquisition, reduced photobleaching since samples need not be scanned multiple times, and the potential to reconstruct 3‑D volumes from a single exposure. Drawbacks are a loss of spatial resolution due to pixel division, limited light throughput from the microlens array, and the computational demands of reconstruction.

Ljusfältmikroskopi has found applications in cellular biology, where rapid 3‑D imaging of living cells is required, as well as in materials science for inspecting micro‑structural features. Commercial implementations range from prototype desktop systems to integrated lab‑on‑a‑chip devices, while research groups continue to refine sensor technology, lens design and reconstruction methods. The technique remains active in both academic and industrial communities seeking efficient volumetric imaging solutions.