Frequency-encoded microscopy for kilohertz imaging

Real-time imaging of rapid events or fast-evolving processes at the microscale is paramount in applications ranging from neuroscience to industrial optical inspection. However, current microscopy architectures can be limited in speed by the camera frame rate or the need for mechanical scanning. Here, we propose a scanless method that exploits the intrinsic high speed of single-pixel detectors to achieve two-dimensional diffraction-limited imaging at rates as high as 5 kHz. Based on interfering orthogonal light stripes from two acousto-optic deflectors to generate a grid of flickering points - each with its unique modulation frequency -, our approach offers high spatiotemporal resolution compatible with a wide spectral range.