High-resolution quantitative phase imaging based on a spatial light modulator and incremental binary random sampling.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Microscopy

Background:

• Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is crucial for label-free visualization of transparent specimens.
• Traditional QPI methods often require complex setups or multiple measurements.
• Developing high-resolution, single-beam QPI techniques remains an active research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel single-beam high-resolution quantitative phase imaging method.
• To enhance phase retrieval accuracy and spatial resolution in optical microscopy.
• To demonstrate the method's applicability to biological and non-biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a spatial light modulator (SLM) to project incremental binary random sampling (IBRS) patterns.
• Modulating the object wavefront within an optical microscopy system.
• Employing the IBRS algorithm for quantitative phase retrieval from recorded intensities.
• Obtaining amplitude information directly from diffraction intensity.

Main Results:

• Simulations confirmed higher phase retrieval accuracy of the IBRS algorithm compared to previous methods.
• Experimental validation demonstrated high-resolution phase imaging of immersion oil droplets (1.54 µm resolution).
• Microbiological specimens were imaged with a resolution of 0.70 µm, showcasing the method's capability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed single-beam technique offers a feasible approach for high-resolution quantitative phase imaging.
• The IBRS algorithm provides accurate phase retrieval, enabling detailed microscopic analysis.
• This method holds potential for various applications in biological and materials science research.