Abstract
We introduce the white-light quantitative phase imaging unit (WQPIU) as a practical realization of quantitative phase imaging (QPI) on standard microscope platforms. The WQPIU is a compact stand-alone unit which measures sample induced phase delay under white-light illumination. It does not require any modification of the microscope or additional accessories for its use. The principle of the WQPIU based on lateral shearing interferometry and phase shifting interferometry provides a cost-effective and user-friendly use of QPI. The validity and capacity of the presented method are demonstrated by measuring quantitative phase images of polystyrene beads, human red blood cells, HeLa cells and mouse white blood cells. With speckle-free imaging capability due to the use of white-light illumination, the WQPIU is expected to expand the scope of QPI in biological sciences as a powerful but simple imaging tool.
Highlights
The optical transparency of biological samples has troubled biologists with low-contrast and indistinct edges
We developed the white light quantitative phase imaging unit (WQPIU) as a cost-effective and non-expert friendly white light Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) technique
The WQPIU is composed of four optical components that are available and can be put into a compact unit
Summary
The optical transparency of biological samples has troubled biologists with low-contrast and indistinct edges For this reason, phase-contrast imaging techniques, such as phase-contrast microscopy and differential interference contrast microscopy, have been widely adopted in biological sciences. There has been attempts to adopt QPI techniques of compact setups such as Michelson interferometry [19], quadriwave lateral shearing interferometry [20], quantitative phase imaging unit [21], τ interferometry [22, 23] and dual-channel interferometry [24] Such techniques require coherent illumination which is an unfavorable requirement for standard bright-field microscope platforms. In this regard white light QPI techniques, such as white light diffraction phase microscopy [25], spatial light interference microscopy [26] and transport of intensity equation method [27,28,29], can be considered except that they require bulky and expensive setups, or microscope accessories with series of defocused images
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
