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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Imaging Subcellular Structures in the Living Zebrafish Embryo
Published on: April 2, 2016
Nanophotonics enhanced coverslip for phase imaging in biology
Lukas Wesemann1,2, Jon Rickett3, Jingchao Song3
1School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia. Lukas.wesemann@unimelb.edu.au.
Abstract:
The ability to visualise transparent objects such as live cells is central to understanding biological processes. Here we experimentally demonstrate a novel nanostructured coverslip that converts phase information to high-contrast intensity images. This compact device enables real-time, all-optical generation of pseudo three-dimensional images of phase objects on transmission. We show that by placing unstained human cancer cells on the device, the internal structure within the cells can be clearly seen. Our research demonstrates the significant potential of nanophotonic devices for integration into compact imaging and medical diagnostic devices. The nanophotonics enhanced coverslip (NEC) enables ultra-compact phase imaging of samples placed directly on top of the device. Visualisation of artificial phase objects and unstained biological cells is demonstrated.
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