ZEISS Lightfield 4D

The talk will focus on ZEISS Lightfield 4D as a unique solution for imaging an entire volume at a single point in time, without any time delay. This is made possible by a 37-element microlens array (MLA) positioned between the objective and the camera, which generates 37 individual images—capturing all 3D information simultaneously.

Each of these views provides both spatial and angular information, serving as the foundation for creating a z-stack through deconvolution-based processing. Alongside its exceptionally high-speed volume acquisition, the technique is also remarkably gentle on living samples.

By utilizing a single illumination event for each volume generated, it eliminates the need for repeated exposure—unlike traditional confocal imaging or 2D image stacks—thus minimizing light exposure.

This combination makes Lightfield 4D an ideal method for capturing fast biological processes and for imaging multiple living samples over extended periods.