Enhanced background rejection in thick tissue using focal modulation microscopy with quadrant apertures

Image formation in focal modulation microscopy using quadrant apertures (QFMM) is presented. The spatial resolution is discussed: compared with confocal microscopy, QFMM can simultaneously enhance the axial and transverse resolution. In contrast to focal modulation microscopy using D-shaped apertures (DFMM), QFMM can maintain x-y symmetry of spatial resolution, thus causing less confusion in imaging interpretation. The capability of background rejection is investigated, showing QFMM has the potential to increase imaging penetration depth. The signal level is also analyzed, indicating that the preferred detector pinhole radius is greater than for DFMM, resulting in a higher signal level.