Nomarski serial time-encoded amplified microscopy for high-speed contrast-enhanced imaging of transparent media
Open Access
- 29 November 2011
- journal article
- Published by Optica Publishing Group in Biomedical Optics Express
- Vol. 2 (12), 3387-3392
- https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.2.003387
Abstract
High-speed high-contrast imaging modalities that enable image acquisition of transparent media without the need for chemical staining are essential tools for a broad range of applications; from semiconductor process monitoring to blood screening. Here we introduce a method for contrast-enhanced imaging of unstained transparent objects that is capable of high-throughput imaging. This method combines the Nomarski phase contrast capability with the ultrahigh frame rate and shutter speed of serial time-encoded amplified microscopy. As a proof of concept, we show imaging of a transparent test structure and white blood cells in flow at a shutter speed of 33 ps and a frame rate of 36.1 MHz using a single-pixel photo-detector. This method is expected to be a valuable tool for high-throughput screening of unstained cells.Keywords
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