Fabry-Pérot Microscopy for Improved Contrast Enhancement and Quantitative Phase Imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Microscopy Techniques
• Label-Free Imaging

Background:

• Conventional microscopy lacks sufficient contrast for unstained biological samples.
• Quantitative phase imaging is crucial for analyzing cell morphology and dynamics.
• Label-free techniques reduce sample preparation and potential artifacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate Fabry-Pérot microscopy (FPM) as a novel label-free imaging method.
• To demonstrate FPM's capability for high-contrast, quantitative phase imaging.
• To showcase FPM's versatility in biological and diagnostic applications.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a fixed-length Fabry-Pérot cavity within a coated microfluidic channel.
• Utilizing resonance-based interference and spectral tuning for contrast enhancement.
• Employing standard microscope optics for compatibility and ease of use.

Main Results:

• Achieved >20-fold contrast enhancement compared to wide-field microscopy.
• Successfully visualized subcellular features in human oral epithelial cells, blood components, and E. coli.
• Demonstrated label-free differentiation of cell types and high-throughput potential.

Conclusions:

• FPM is a versatile extension of wide-field microscopy for quantitative imaging.
• The technique enables contrast-tunable imaging under static and flow conditions.
• FPM holds significant potential for cytometry, research, and in vitro diagnostics.