Adaptive Optics for MBF Bioscience’s ScanImage using Phaseform’s Deformable Phase Plate Technology

MBF Bioscience and Phaseform are delighted to announce a breakthrough collaboration that integrates Phaseform’s advanced Adaptive Optics (AO) solutions into MBF Bioscience’s renowned ScanImage software for multiphoton and laser scanning microscopes. This joint development opens the door for researchers across neuroscience, developmental biology, cancer research, and other fields to achieve unmatched image clarity and depth, all while preserving their existing microscopy workflows.

Seamless Adaptive Optics for Multiphoton Microscopy

Multiphoton microscopy offers powerful capabilities for deep tissue imaging, but suffers from sample-induced optical aberrations that degrade image quality. AO corrects these distortions, although traditional implementations have typically been complex and time-consuming.

Phaseform’s proprietary Deformable Phase Plate (DPP) technology provides a uniquely transmissive, compact, and easy-to-integrate solution for wavefront correction. Unlike deformable mirrors or liquid crystal spatial light modulators, DPPs can be placed directly in the illumination path—for instance, before the scanners or right behind the objective lens—eliminating the need for beam folding and extensive hardware modifications.

With this new integration, ScanImage fully supports Phaseform’s sensorless AO techniques, allowing researchers to apply real-time aberration correction during image acquisition, even without the need for a wavefront sensor. Phaseform’s AO control software interfaces seamlessly with ScanImage to acquire images, analyse aberrations and apply corrections. Once the corrections have been automatically determined, users can perform their experiments with no changes to their standard microscope operation or data acquisition routines.

“Adaptive optics is a transformative technology, and its integration into ScanImage redefines what is possible for researchers using multiphoton and laser-scanning microscopes,” said Jack Glaser, President of MBF Bioscience. “Partnering with Phaseform allows us to offer unparalleled precision and adaptability, empowering researchers to push the boundaries of their work.”

“Our Deformable Phase Plate technology simplifies AO integration so researchers can retrofit their microscopes without major modifications,” said Dr. Pouya Rajaeipour, CTO of Phaseform. “It is exciting to see how this collaboration with MBF Bioscience opens up new possibilities for deep tissue imaging, making higher order aberration correction easily accessible to a wider range of laboratories.”

Applications Across Research Areas

The integration of Adaptive Optics into ScanImage will benefit diverse research fields:

• Neuroscience: Achieve cellular and subcellular imaging of neural circuits, enabling deeper insights into brain function and disorders.

• Developmental Biology: Visualize fine details in live embryos, enhancing understanding of growth and differentiation processes.

• Cancer Research: Observe tumor microenvironments with unparalleled clarity, paving the way for better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Availability: The enhanced ScanImage platform with AO support will be available starting mid-2025. Interested researchers can already preview Phaseform’s AO software at SPIE Photonics West (San Francisco) and Focus on Microscopy (Taipei) conferences, where demonstrations will highlight its versatility for various microscopy platforms.

About MBF Bioscience:

MBF Bioscience develops state-of-the-art tools for microscopy and image analysis, enabling over 18,000 peer-reviewed studies in neuroscience, cell biology, and more. ScanImage remains one of the most trusted software solutions worldwide for multiphoton microscopy. For more information, visit www.mbfbioscience.com.

About Phaseform GmbH:

Phaseform specializes in Adaptive Optics, leveraging its Deformable Phase Plate technology to dynamically correct optical aberrations. Committed to advancing scientific and medical imaging, Phaseform’s solutions make high-performance AO more accessible across diverse research and clinical applications. For more information, visit www.phaseform.com.