Quantitative phase imaging in microscopy using a spatial light modulator

Abstract

In this chapter, we present a new method capable of recovery of the quantitative phase information of microscopic samples. Essentially, a spatial light modulator (SLM) and digital image processing are the basics to extract the sample's phase distribution. The SLM produces a set of misfocused images of the input sample at the CCD plane by displaying a set of lenses with different power at the SLM device. The recorded images are then numerically processed to retrieve phase information. Computations are based on the wave propagation equation and lead to a complex amplitude image containing information of both amplitude and phase distributions of the input sample diffracted wave front. The proposed configuration becomes a non-interferometric architecture (conventional transmission imaging mode) where no moving elements are included. Experimental results are provided in comparison with conventional digital holographic microscopy. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.