Annular pupil filter under shot-noise condition for linear and non linear microscopy

The imaging performances of multiphoton excitation and confocal laser scanning microscopy are herby considered: in typical experimental imaging conditions, a small finite amount of photon reaches the detector giving shot-noise fluctuations which affects the signal acquired. A significant detriment in the high frequencies transmission capability is obtained. In order to partially recover the high frequencies information lost, the insertion of a pupil plane filter in the microscope illumination light pathway on the objective lens is proposed. We demonstrate high-frequency and resolution enhancement in the case of linear and non linear fluorescence microscope approach under shot-noise condition.