Definition of digital holographic microscopy

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Photonics Dictionary

digital holographic microscopy: Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is an advanced imaging technique that combines holography and digital image processing to capture and reconstruct three-dimensional images of objects. This method provides quantitative phase information, enabling researchers to study transparent or semi-transparent specimens, such as biological cells, with high precision.

The key steps in digital holographic microscopy include:

Hologram recording: Similar to traditional holography, DHM involves recording holograms, which are interference patterns created by the interaction of light waves scattered by an object with a reference wave. The hologram contains both amplitude and phase information of the object.

Digital reconstruction: Unlike conventional holography, where reconstruction involves optical methods, DHM relies on digital processing. The recorded hologram is digitally processed using computational algorithms to reconstruct both the amplitude and phase distributions of the object.

Quantitative phase imaging: The reconstructed phase information provides quantitative details about the optical thickness and refractive index variations within the specimen. This is particularly useful in the study of biological samples, where changes in cellular morphology and dynamics can be observed without the need for contrast agents.

3D imaging: Digital holographic microscopy enables the reconstruction of three-dimensional images of specimens, allowing for the visualization of structures at different depths within the object.

Digital holographic microscopy offers several advantages in the field of microscopy:

Label-free imaging: It allows for label-free imaging of specimens, avoiding the need for staining or labeling, and preserving the natural state of the sample.

High resolution: DHM can achieve high lateral and axial resolutions, providing detailed information about cellular structures.

Dynamic studies: The technique is suitable for dynamic studies, capturing real-time changes in the specimen over time.