Lens-free digital holographic microscopy for cell imaging and tracking by Fresnel diffraction from a phase...

In this Letter, a very simple, stable, and portable lensless digital holographic (DH) microscopy method is presented relying on the Fresnel diffraction (FD) of light from a phase discontinuity (PD). A phase plate in the transmission or a physical step in the reflection can be employed in the path of the divergent beam of a coherent light source as a component imposing the PD. The recorded diffraction pattern in the vicinity of the PD is a hologram produced by off-axis overlapping of two diffracted waves in both sides of the boundary region with adjustable fringe modulation. To validate the method, measurements are performed on the amplitude and phase specimens as well as on the dynamic processes of water evaporation and 3D tracking of floating cells. A reflective configuration of FD from a physical step can be used as a powerful platform for lensless DH microscopy using high-energy electromagnetic radiation, e.g., x-ray and UV sources for the high-resolution imaging of moving samples.