Tunable meta-device for large depth of field quantitative phase imaging.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional optical imaging lacks phase information crucial for transparent samples like cells and semiconductors.
• Existing quantitative phase imaging methods are often complex, requiring interferometers or mechanical adjustments, hindering practical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, efficient quantitative phase imaging technique for transparent samples.
• To enable rapid, precise phase retrieval at different depths without mechanical movements.

Main Methods:

• A novel meta-device combining a PB phase meta-lens, refractive lens, and tunable lens with a polarization camera was designed.
• Multiple defocused images were captured simultaneously using polarization-dependent focal lengths.
• Transport of Intensity Equation (TIE) algorithm was employed for phase retrieval.

Main Results:

• The meta-device achieved simultaneous multi-defocus imaging, eliminating the need for multiple shots and mechanical adjustments.
• Quantitative phase imaging was performed rapidly and precisely across a 2.52 mm depth range.
• Experimental validation demonstrated a high accuracy of 98.47%.

Conclusions:

• The proposed meta-device offers a practical and efficient solution for quantitative phase imaging.
• This technique is well-suited for analyzing dynamic and depth-varying samples, including live cells.
• The simplified setup and high accuracy pave the way for broader applications in microscopy and material science.