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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Quantitative Optical Microscopy: Measurement of Cellular Biophysical Features with a Standard Optical Microscope
Published on: April 7, 2014
Surface-profile reconstruction using reflection differential phase-contrast microscopy
Abstract:
The use of optical differential phase-contrast microscopy to obtain the surface profile of samples is outlined. The range of accurate feature height determination was calculated as a function of steepness of the side of the feature. Heights of thin features (height <0.1 microm) were accurately determined experimentally. Sample tilting and oblique stage scanning were required in order to determine the heights of thicker samples. Reconstructed profile heights were measured as a function of defocus.
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