Microscopy of non-birefringent transmissive phase samples using Sagnac laser interferometer

Area of Science:

• Optical Physics
• Microscopy Techniques
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) is crucial for label-free imaging of transparent biological and material samples.
• Traditional QPM methods often face limitations in resolution, stability, or complexity.
• Cyclic interferometers offer potential for enhanced phase sensitivity and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a cyclic interferometer adapted for quantitative phase microscopy.
• To achieve high-resolution, quantitative 3D phase imaging of microscopic structures.
• To demonstrate the system's capability with diverse sample types.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a cyclic interferometer with a long working distance microscope objective.
• Strategic positioning of the sample and use of a converging laser beam to isolate object and reference beams.
• Incorporation of polarization optics for polarization phase shifting capabilities.
• Quantitative phase retrieval algorithms for 3D rendering.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of the cyclic interferometer for quantitative phase microscopy.
• Demonstration of accurate 3D phase imaging of polystyrene microspheres.
• Visualization of micro-wells etched in glass with high phase fidelity.
• Validation of the system's ability to capture detailed surface topography.

Conclusions:

• The proposed cyclic interferometer setup is effective for quantitative phase microscopy.
• This method provides accurate 3D phase information for micro-scale objects.
• The technique holds promise for advanced imaging in materials science and nanotechnology.