A research team from the University of Hong Kong has introduced a groundbreaking imaging strategy known as AIMED (Arbitrary illumination microscopy with encoded depth), which enhances 3D microscopy speed by up to eightfold while minimizing light exposure. This innovative approach integrates axial optical encoding with advanced computational techniques, allowing for simultaneous excitation of multiple depth layers within a single exposure. The study, led by Professor Kenneth K. Y. Wong of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, demonstrates significant improvements in imaging efficiency and quality. In tests on mouse brain neuronal samples, AIMED achieved a compression ratio of approximately 60%, using only half to one-third of the optical power required by traditional methods. The reconstructed images maintained high fidelity, with a structural similarity index of around 0.95. This technology not only enhances imaging speed but also reduces phototoxicity, making it particularly suitable for delicate biological structures. AIMED's principles are expected to be transferable to other imaging modalities, paving the way for faster and more efficient 3D imaging in various scientific fields.