3D differential interference contrast microscopy using polarisation-sensitive tomographic diffraction microscopy

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Materials Science

Background:

• Tomographic diffraction microscopy (TDM) is an advanced technique for 3D, high-resolution imaging of unlabeled samples.
• TDM allows for the acquisition of both amplitude and phase information at various illumination angles.
• Polarization array sensors (PAS) offer vectorial information assessment for TDM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an alternative application of PAS in TDM by leveraging its phase-sensitive nature.
• To develop a 3D differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope using TDM and PAS with minimal experimental modifications.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the phase-sensitive properties of TDM.
• Integrating polarization array sensors (PAS) with TDM.
• Implementing information reallocation for 3D refractive index map reconstruction.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that TDM coupled with PAS can function as a 3D DIC microscope.
• Achieved 3D DIC imaging with nearly identical experimental configurations as standard TDM.
• Showcased the potential for enhanced contrast and detailed 3D visualization of samples.

Conclusions:

• TDM combined with PAS provides a powerful and versatile platform for 3D imaging.
• The integration of PAS offers a significant advancement in TDM capabilities, enabling DIC functionality.
• This approach simplifies the transition to advanced 3D imaging techniques with minimal hardware adjustments.