Dual-polarization interference microscopy for advanced quantification of phase associated with the image field

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Microscopy

Background:

• Phase reconstruction in microscopy is crucial for quantitative imaging.
• Traditional methods often involve complex, multi-step processing.
• Advanced techniques are needed for efficient and accurate phase recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and experimentally demonstrate a new dual-polarization spatial light interference microscopy (DPSLIM) concept.
• To enable direct, single-step phase reconstruction of image fields.
• To showcase polarization-sensitive phase-shifting for enhanced imaging.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of DPSLIM using a common-path configuration.
• Integration with a spatial light modulator and a commercial microscope (Nikon E200).
• Utilizing two orthogonally polarized modes for signal and reference wave combination.

Main Results:

• Successful direct, single-step reconstruction of image phase from four polarization-encoded interference records.
• Demonstration of polarization-sensitive phase-shifting for advanced phase recovery.
• Experimental validation using polystyrene microspheres and live LW13K2 cells.

Conclusions:

• DPSLIM offers a significant advancement over common multi-step phase reconstruction methods.
• The technique allows for efficient and accurate quantitative phase imaging.
• DPSLIM shows potential for diverse applications in biological and material sciences.