Apparatus and method for quantitative phase-gradient chirped-wavelength-encoded optical imaging
AssigneeVersitech Limited
InventorsKin Man Kevin Tsia, Tsz Wai Terence Wong, Kam Seng Andy Lau, Hin Long Tang
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Abstract
Systems and method for high-speed single-pixel quantitative phase contrast optical imaging are provided. This imaging technique can bypass the use of conventional image sensors and their associated speed limitations. The quantitative phase images can be acquired much faster than conventional quantitative phase imaging by a chirped-wavelength-encoding mechanism via wavelength-swept laser sources or optical time-stretch based on optical fibers, without the need for interferometric approaches.
Claims20
An apparatus for optically imaging a sample, comprising:
- a light source;
- means for obtaining gradient phase contrast information about the sample using the light source;
- means for spectrally encoding the gradient phase contrast information;
- means for performing passive gradient phase-encoded signal multiplexing;
- a memory for storing multiplexed signals;
- and
- means for performing digital signal de-multiplexing and quantitative phase image reconstruction, thereby improving the speed and contrast with which the apparatus optically images the sample.
A method of optically imaging a sample using an apparatus, the method comprising:
- obtaining gradient phase contrast information about the sample using a light source of the apparatus;
- spectrally encoding the gradient phase contrast information;
- performing passive gradient phase-encoded signal multiplexing;
- storing multiplexed signals on a memory of the apparatus;
- and
- performing digital signal de-multiplexing and quantitative phase image reconstruction,
- wherein the quantitative phase image is manipulated within a single optical beam without the need for utilizing interferometric approaches, thereby improving the speed and contrast with which the apparatus optically images the sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.