Open-source implementation of polarisation-resolved single-shot differential phase contrast microscopy (pDPC) on a...

Area of Science:

• Optical microscopy
• Phase imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Differential phase microscopy (DPM) enables quantitative phase imaging.
• Polarization differential phase contrast microscopy (pDPC) offers a robust, low-cost single-shot implementation of DPM.
• Existing pDPC methods require integration with specific microscope setups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new, low-cost, open-source pDPC module.
• To integrate pDPC with the modular open-source microscope stand 'openFrame'.
• To provide improved hardware and software for real-time phase readout and system alignment optimization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a polarization-sensitive camera to acquire four obliquely transilluminated images simultaneously.
• Developed an open-source pDPC module compatible with the 'openFrame' microscope.
• Implemented improved hardware and software for real-time phase imaging and system alignment.
• Provided protocols for background subtraction and crosstalk correction.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a low-cost, open-source pDPC module for quantitative phase imaging.
• Achieved real-time phase readout across the field of view, facilitating alignment optimization.
• Successfully integrated pDPC with the 'openFrame' modular microscope stand.
• Validated protocols for background subtraction and crosstalk correction.

Conclusions:

• The developed open-source pDPC module offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for quantitative phase imaging.
• Real-time phase readout significantly improves system usability and alignment.
• This implementation facilitates integration with other microscopy techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy.