View synthesis with a partitioned-aperture microscope

We present a simple and fast algorithm for view synthesis based on the acquisition of four high-resolution oblique images with a conventional widefield microscope. The images are acquired simultaneously using a partitioned aperture add-on. The technique provides physically valid views of thin samples that are transmitting or fluorescent, as demonstrated with biopsied tissue or green fluorescent protein-labeled brain slices. The goal of this technique is to facilitate image interpretation by conferring impressions of depth that are otherwise absent in standard microscope images.