Fourier synthesis optical diffraction tomography for kilohertz rate volumetric imaging

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Microscopy

Background:

• Imaging complex biological and soft matter dynamics at high speeds in 3D is challenging.
• Existing techniques often lack the speed or resolution required for fast, volumetric analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Fourier synthesis optical diffraction tomography (FS-ODT) for high-speed, 3D quantitative phase imaging.
• To enable the study of dynamic processes in biological and soft matter systems at unprecedented volumetric rates.

Main Methods:

• Developed FS-ODT, a quantitative phase imaging method.
• Implemented computational strategies to multiplex illumination angles for increased volumetric imaging speed.
• Achieved kilohertz frame rates for 3D refractive index mapping.

Main Results:

• Validated FS-ODT on various samples, including colloids and bacterial swimmers.
• Demonstrated the capability to record 3D refractive index at kilohertz rates.
• Integrated FS-ODT with multicolor structured illumination microscopy for multimodal imaging.

Conclusions:

• FS-ODT significantly enhances volumetric imaging rates for 3D refractive index mapping.
• This technique opens new avenues for exploring physical interactions of microswimmers and colloids in 3D.
• FS-ODT facilitates understanding the interplay between physical stimuli and biological molecular responses.