Method of Broadband Phase Shifting for Quantitative Phase Microscopy

Quantitative phase microscopy (QPI) is a technique that enables detailed examination of transparent, unstained samples by measuring optical path length shifts. Despite its potential, traditional QPI presents a challenge because it is limited to a specific wavelength range, restricting the illumination or scattering paths available for study and resulting in low-contrast images. Therefore, there is a need for an improved QPI technique that overcomes such limitations. The current issue lies in the limited wavelength range for quantitative analysis and the brightness of the illumination paths that hinder the grayscale contrast, affecting the quality of images and subsequent analysis. Because traditional QPI systems struggle with adequate contrast, their broad use in microscopy has been limited. Therefore, a means for holistically improving image quality to enable precise, quantitative analysis is highly desirable.

Technology Description

Our systems, methods, and structures for broadband phase shifting for quantitative phase microscopy (QPI) provide a larger usable wavelength range that enables the propagation of either/both illumination paths and/or scatter paths through a reflective objective. This technology employs broadband mirror surfaces to perform the quantifiable phase shift of these paths. Additionally, it diminishes the impact of bright illumination paths, thereby maximizing the contrast in the resultant imaging. This innovation stands apart because it integrates broadband phase shifting into QPI, a technique that gives it an edge over traditional phase microscopy methods. It not only expands the viable wavelength range but also adjusts the brightness of the illumination paths to amplify contrast, consequently improving the quality of quantitative analysis. Hence, this technology merges the benefits of broadband phase shifting and QPI to enable advanced, high-contrast microscopic studies.