title: Compact, lensless digital holographic microscope for remote microbiology.
abstract: In situ investigation of microbial life in extreme environments can be carried out with microscopes capable of imaging 3-dimensional volumes and tracking particle motion. Here we present a lensless digital holographic microscope approach that provides roughly 1.5 micron resolution in a compact, robust package suitable for remote deployment. High resolution is achieved by generating high numerical-aperture input beams with radial gradient-index rod lenses. The ability to detect and track prokaryotes was explored using bacterial strains of two different sizes. In the larger strain, a variety of motions were seen, while the smaller strain was used to demonstrate a detection capability down to micron scales.
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Serabyn
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Liewer
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lindensmith
authors.forename: Kent
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nadeau
mesh_terms: D006696:Holography / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D009038:Motion