Quantitative phase and refractive index imaging of 3D objects via optical transfer function reshaping

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to extend 2D deconvolution phase microscopy for 3D samples, enabling quantitative imaging of refractive index and phase delay using only four images with optimized illumination.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel approach that allows 3D refractive index and phase delay imaging from minimal measurements, advancing high-contrast transparent sample visualization.

Findings

Refractive index distribution can be reconstructed at specific axial planes.

Optical phase delay can be measured with different illumination patterns.

Method reduces measurement complexity for 3D transparent samples.

Abstract

Deconvolution phase microscopy enables high-contrast visualization of transparent samples through reconstructions of their transmitted phases or refractive indexes. Herein, we propose a method to extend 2D deconvolution phase microscopy to thick 3D samples. The refractive index distribution of a sample can be obtained at a specific axial plane by measuring only four intensity images obtained under optimized illumination patterns. Also, the optical phase delay of a sample can be measured using different illumination patterns.