Quantitative phase imaging based on holography: trends and new perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Physics
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Holography, conceptualized in 1948, has evolved into a key technology for optical wavefront measurement and quantitative phase imaging.
• Digital holography (DH) provides quantitative, wide-field, non-contact, and dynamic measurement of complex optical fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the underlying principles, technical approaches, and diverse applications of digital holography.
• To explore the transformation between complex and real domains in holographic recording and reconstruction.
• To identify emerging challenges and opportunities for advancing holographic imaging.

Main Methods:

• Reconstruction of complex-valued wavefronts from intensity measurements.
• Analysis of light scattering with phase information for quantitative visualization.
• Review of established and emerging digital holography techniques.

Main Results:

• DH enables quantitative visualization of refractive index and thickness for weak absorption samples.
• The technology bridges imaging and scattering disciplines, crucial for pathophysiology and materials characterization.
• DH facilitates label-free cell biology, analytical chemistry, clinical sciences, and semiconductor production.

Conclusions:

• Digital holography is a powerful, multidisciplinary tool with broad applications.
• Combining DH with other methodologies presents opportunities for expanded utility.
• Continued research and collaboration are vital for addressing emerging challenges in holographic imaging.