title: Spectral-domain optical coherence phase microscopy for quantitative phase-contrast imaging.
abstract: We describe a novel microscopy technique for quantitative phase-contrast imaging of a transparent specimen. The technique is based on depth-resolved phase information provided by common path spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and can measure minute phase variations caused by changes in refractive index and thickness inside the specimen. We demonstrate subnanometer level path-length sensitivity and present images obtained on reflection from a known phase object and human epithelial cheek cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA. cmjoo@mit.edu
authors.forename: Chulmin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Joo
authors.forename: Taner
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akkin
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cense
authors.forename: Boris H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Johannes F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: de Boer
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods