Abstract
This UCF invention is a compact optical module that measures both amplitude and phase of scattered light in real time by encoding spatial frequency content into distinct polarization states. A custom polarization filter placed in the Fourier plane separates reference (low frequency) and scattered (high frequency) components into orthogonal circular polarizations. A polarization sensitive camera then analyzes their interference, enabling enhanced contrast and subwavelength phase imaging, even under ambient illumination. The module can attach to standard microscopes or portable imaging platforms, offering a robust, alignment free, low cost technique for nanoscale and label free optical detection across biomedical, industrial, and scientific applications.
Technical Details: The system uses a 4f imaging configuration where a custom Fourier plane polarization filter—composed of spatially segmented linear polarizers and a broadband quarter wave plate—maps different spatial frequencies into orthogonal polarization states. After recombination, the interference pattern is captured either through sequential analyzer rotations or, in real time, via a polarization camera.
Because reference and scattered fields share the same optical path, the system inherently mitigates drift, vibration, and coherence instability typical of conventional interferometers. High frequency spatial components are heterodyned into detectable contrast, enabling the extraction of subwavelength scale features. Experiments demonstrate detection of particles <100 nm using broadband LEDs. The architecture supports step wise phase shifting or single shot phase retrieval, with sensitivity scaling favorably with photon counts and detector well capacity. The system is modular, stable, compatible with incoherent illumination, and designed to be miniaturized for integration into mobile or laboratory imaging tools.
Benefit
Robust, alignment insensitive common path design requiring no stabilization hardware.Label free and non destructive, eliminating the need for fluorescent dyes or chemical preparation.Ambient light compatible, enabling low cost and field deployable use without lasers or controlled environments.Highly scalable and cost effective, functioning as an add on for microscopes, industrial cameras, or portable devicesMarket Application
Biomedical and materials diagnostics, enabling label free detection of nanoparticles, viruses, EVs, protein aggregates, and nanoscale defects.Industrial inspection, providing real time phase enhanced imaging for micro /nano manufacturing quality control.Portable and consumer imaging, including mobile phones, point of care devices, and compact diagnostic modules.Optical research and microscopy, offering real time subwavelength phase imaging without complex interferometric infrastructure.
Brochure
