Method of volumetric imaging of a sample

A method of volumetric imaging of a sample, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of depth images using a volumetric imaging system during movement of a volumetric imaging system and the sample relative to each other, the volumetric imaging system being arranged for mechanical correction of the relative motion between the imaging system and the sample, each depth image being associated with a layer or slice of the region of interest and the plurality of depth images together forming a volumetric image of the region of interest;
• providing a plurality of surface images during movement of the volumetric imaging system and the sample relative to each other;
• identifying changes in spatial position of surface features of the surface images to obtain positional information;
• and
• controlling the volumetric imaging system to correct for an impact of the movement of the volumetric imaging system and the sample relative to each other using the obtained positional information;
• wherein the volumetric imaging system comprises a layer having known mechanical properties and incorporating a fiducial marker, the method further comprising:
• positioning the layer on the surface area of interest;
• applying a load to the region of interest and through the layer;
• detecting a deformation of the layer in response to the applied load;
• and using the fiducial marker for correcting for motion artefacts.