Phase contrast-based phase retrieval: a bridge between qualitative phase contrast and quantitative phase imaging by...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Image Processing
• Microscopy

Background:

• Iterative phase retrieval methods offer non-interferometric quantitative phase recovery but demand oversampling and high computational resources.
• Traditional phase contrast methods provide qualitative phase information from a single exposure, limiting quantitative applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a combined approach overcoming the limitations of iterative phase retrieval and phase contrast methods.
• To achieve accurate quantitative phase measurements in a single-shot measurement.

Main Methods:

• A modified iterative phase retrieval algorithm was developed.
• The algorithm was initialized using a phase-induced intensity measurement (phase contrast image).

Main Results:

• The combined approach demonstrated easy convergence to the correct solution.
• Accurate quantitative phase measurements were achieved for both binary and continuously varying phase objects.
• The system functions as a single-shot quantitative phase contrast microscope.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method effectively combines iterative phase retrieval and phase contrast imaging.
• This approach enables efficient and accurate quantitative phase measurements, expanding applications in microscopy.