Single-shot quantitative differential phase contrast imaging combined with programmable polarization multiplexing...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Microscopy

Background:

• Quantitative phase contrast microscopy is crucial for label-free imaging of transparent biological specimens.
• Traditional methods often require multiple acquisitions or complex setups, limiting speed and practicality.
• Differential phase contrast (DPC) offers improved contrast but can be sensitive to illumination variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a single-shot quantitative differential phase contrast (qDPC) method.
• To leverage polarization multiplexing for efficient illumination control.
• To enable rapid and accurate phase imaging of biological samples.

Main Methods:

• A custom illumination module with a programmable LED array and four distinct polarization angles was designed.
• A polarization camera was integrated into the imaging module.
• Two sets of asymmetric illumination images were acquired in a single shot by matching polarization angles.
• Quantitative phase images were reconstructed using the phase transfer function.

Main Results:

• The system successfully acquired single-shot quantitative phase images.
• Demonstrated capability in imaging a phase resolution target.
• Obtained high-resolution quantitative phase images of Hela cells.

Conclusions:

• The proposed polarization-multiplexed qDPC method provides a fast and accurate approach for label-free phase imaging.
• This technique simplifies quantitative phase contrast microscopy, making it more accessible for biological research.
• The single-shot acquisition significantly reduces imaging time and potential for motion artifacts.