Ptycho-cam: a ptychographic phase imaging add-on for optical microscopy

Area of Science:

• Optical microscopy
• Quantitative phase imaging
• Diffraction methods

Background:

• Near field ptychography enables quantitative phase imaging of transmissive samples.
• It utilizes diffraction data and iterative reconstruction algorithms.
• Existing methods offer high phase sensitivity and wide fields of view with simple optics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an adaptable add-on for implementing near field ptychography.
• To integrate this technique with standard optical microscopes.
• To overcome limitations of conventional ptychography for delicate samples.

Main Methods:

• Development of a self-contained add-on module for optical microscopes.
• Attachment to the microscope camera port without requiring microscope modification.
• Application of near field ptychography principles, including diffraction data collection and iterative reconstruction.

Main Results:

• The add-on successfully implements near field ptychography.
• The system requires no sample translation, unlike conventional ptychography.
• This method is suitable for analyzing delicate or liquid-mounted samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed add-on provides a non-invasive method for quantitative phase imaging.
• It enhances the applicability of near field ptychography for sensitive biological or material samples.
• This innovation simplifies the use of advanced imaging techniques in standard microscopy setups.