Data for: Characterization, comparison, and optimization of lattice light sheets (Part 3/3)

Lattice light sheet microscopy excels at the non-invasive imaging of
three-dimensional (3D) dynamic processes at high spatiotemporal resolution
within cells and developing embryos. Recently, several papers have called
into question the performance of lattice light sheets relative to the
Gaussian sheets most common in light sheet microscopy. Here we undertake a
comprehensive theoretical and experimental analysis of various forms of
light sheet microscopy which both demonstrates and explains why lattice
light sheets provide significant improvements in resolution and
photobleaching reduction. The analysis provides a procedure to select the
correct light sheet for a desired experiment and specifies the processing
that maximizes the use of all fluorescence generated within the light
sheet excitation envelope for optimal resolution while minimizing image
artifacts and photodamage. Development of a new type of “harmonic
balanced” lattice light sheet is shown to improve performance at all
spatial frequencies within its 3D resolution limits and maintains this
performance over lengthened propagation distances allowing for expanded
fields of view.