Phase resolving microscopy by multi-plane diffraction detection.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Microscopy Techniques
• Image Reconstruction

Background:

• Quantitative phase-contrast microscopy (QPM) is crucial for label-free imaging of transparent specimens.
• Traditional QPM methods can be complex or require specialized optical components.
• Developing accessible and accurate QPM techniques is an ongoing research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an easily applicable quantitative phase-contrast microscopy method.
• To develop and validate a novel phase retrieval technique for QPM.
• To achieve high accuracy in phase and height measurements using a standard bright-field microscope.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a standard bright-field microscope with coherent illumination.
• Acquiring a series of diffraction images at varying distances from the sample.
• Developing and applying a conjugate gradient technique for phase reconstruction.

Main Results:

• Experimental validation of the developed phase retrieval technique.
• Achieved phase accuracy of up to 0.07 radians.
• Demonstrated height accuracy of 13 nm in transmission for a binary test sample.

Conclusions:

• The presented method offers an easily applicable approach to quantitative phase-contrast microscopy.
• The conjugate gradient technique provides a robust and accurate phase retrieval solution.
• This technique enables precise nanoscale height measurements using conventional microscopy setups.