A phase retrieval method of interferograms add-subtracting based on two-step phase shifting.

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Phase Contrast Microscopy

Background:

• Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is crucial for label-free cell analysis.
• Traditional phase retrieval methods can be complex and require multiple measurements.
• Developing efficient and accurate phase retrieval techniques is essential for biological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simplified and direct phase retrieval method for QPI.
• To validate the method's accuracy using theoretical, simulation, and experimental approaches.
• To demonstrate the method's applicability in biological cell imaging.

Main Methods:

• A two-step phase-shifting technique was employed.
• Two interferograms were acquired and processed through addition and subtraction.
• The method was validated using simulations of a ball and experiments on red blood cells.

Main Results:

• Quantitative phase information was directly retrieved with high accuracy.
• Simulation results for a ball showed good agreement with theoretical predictions.
• Experimental results from red blood cells demonstrated the method's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The proposed two-step phase-shifting method offers a direct and efficient approach for QPI.
• The technique is suitable for quantitative phase retrieval in biological samples like red blood cells.
• This advancement facilitates label-free cell studies in various biological and medical applications.