Single-shot quantitative phase imaging as an extension of differential interference contrast microscopy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Cell Biology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Quantitative phase information (QPI) is crucial for label-free cell imaging.
• Differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy is widely used but often lacks quantitative phase capabilities.
• Existing QPI methods can be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a single-shot quantitative phase imaging (QPI) method integrated with DIC microscopy.
• To enable rapid acquisition of quantitative phase information from biological samples.
• To facilitate the application of QPI in standard biomedical laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Developed an add-on optical system for a commercial DIC microscope using a polarization camera for quantitative phase gradient imaging (QPGI).
• Formulated an algorithm to reconstruct QPI from QPGI, effectively reducing linear artifacts.
• Validated the system by imaging various cell lines and comparing results with fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

• Successfully achieved single-shot quantitative phase gradient imaging (QPGI).
• Reconstituted QPI images with reduced artifacts, accurately depicting cellular structures like nucleoli and lipid droplets.
• Demonstrated the system's utility in time-lapse imaging of intracellular granule dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The developed single-shot QPI method offers a practical advancement for DIC microscopy.
• Combining QPI with fluorescence microscopy provides more comprehensive cell biology insights.
• This approach has the potential to accelerate QPI implementation in routine biomedical research settings.