Three-dimensional imaging in microscopy as an extension of the theory of two-dimensional imaging

A straightforward and intuitive method is desired for the derivation of the transfer theory developed recently by Streibl [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A2, 121 ( 1985)] for three-dimensional image formation of optically weak objects by transmission microscopy. The derivation described here establishes the relationship between three-dimensional imaging and the well-known theory of two-dimensional image formation.