Meta-optical Miniscope for Multifunctional Imaging

Abstract: Miniaturized microscopes (miniscopes) have opened a new frontier in animal behavior studies, enabling real-time imaging of neuron activity while leaving animals largely unconstrained. Canonical designs typically use Gradient-Index (GRIN) lenses or refractive lenses as the objective module for excitation and fluorescence collection, but GRIN lenses suffer from aberrations and refractive lenses are bulky and complex. Meta-optics, composed of subwavelength diffractive elements, offer a promising alternative by combining multiple functionalities with significantly reduced footprint and weight. Here, we present meta-optical miniscopes that integrate functionalities including large field of view (FOV), extended depth of focus (EDOF), and depth sensitivity. These meta-optics replace the traditional refractive lens assembly, reducing the total track length of the objective module from 6.7 mm to 2.5 mm while enhancing imaging performance. Our results demonstrate that meta-optical miniscopes can expand the miniscope toolbox and facilitate the development of more compact and multifunctional imaging systems.