Talbot-illuminated imaging devices, systems, and methods for focal plane tuning

A Talbot-illuminated imaging system for focal plane tuning, the system comprising:

• a Talbot-illuminated imaging device comprising
• a Talbot element configured to generate an array of focused light spots at a focal plane,
• a tunable illumination source configured to shift the focal plane to a plane of interest by adjusting a wavelength of light incident the Talbot element,
• a scanning mechanism configured to move an object relative to the array of focused light spots in a scanning direction, and
• a light detector configured to determine time-varying light data associated with the array of focused light spots as the object moves relative to the array of light spots;
• and
• a processor configured to reconstruct an image of the object based on the time-varying light data.

A method of focal plane tuning using a Talbot-illuminated imaging system having a Talbot element, a tunable illumination source, a scanning mechanism and a light detector, the method comprising:

• providing light of an incident wavelength to the Talbot element to generate an array of focused light spots;
• adjusting, by the tunable illumination source, the incident wavelength to shift the focal plane of the array of focused light spots;
• capturing time-varying light data associated with the array of focused light spots as an object moves relative to the array of focused light spots;
• and
• constructing an image of the object based on the time varying light data.