Systems and methods for performing optical imaging using a tri-spot point spread function (PSF)

A tri-spot point spread function imaging system, comprising:

• a source arranged and configured to output an excitation beam that is directed to a sample containing at least one light emitter that emits a dipole or dipole-like radiation pattern when illuminated by the excitation beam;
• at least one sensor arranged and configured to capture at least one image of at least a portion of a radiation pattern emitted by the at least one emitter in response to impingement by the excitation beam;
• and a phase mask positioned between the at least one emitter and the at least one sensor, the phase mask configured to produce a tri-spot point spread function in response to photons received from the at least one emitter, wherein the tri-spot point spread function is received by the at least one sensor;
• and wherein the phase mask comprises a first, second, and third partition, each partition comprises a phase delay ramp aligned along a phase delay axis, each phase delay ramp comprises a gradient of phase delays, and wherein:
• each partition comprises a subset of a total area of the phase mask and each phase delay axis associated with each partition is oriented in a different direction with respect to each remaining phase delay axis of each remaining partition.