The Linnik microscope objective has two identical microscope objectives — one each for the reference and test arms of the interferometer. The pixelated phase mask enables the simultaneous capture of 4 phase shifted images. Because we can capture multiple phase images simultaneously, it is possible to dynamically follow and capture quantitative phase microscopy data in real time.

What we measure is optical thickness. It is the physical thickness multiplied by the refractive index of the material and integral over the path of the light through the sample.

In our case we are going through the sample, reflecting off of a mirror and going back through the sample again creating a double pass of a the phase sample.

Transparent objects are hard to see in bright field illumination unless stains or fluorescent markers are added. Interference phase contract adds the ability to see detail in transparent objects without the need for stains, markers or labeling.

Quantitative phase measurement enables the ability to do volumetric and morphological studies.

Phase data are easily converted intro optical thickness data that can be further manipulated and visualized in 3-dimensions and in real-time.

(A) Bright field image of breast cancer cell culture taken after contact with purified water and then KCL. (B) One of four interferogram channels measured showing raw data. This is similar to what you'd see with DIC or phase contract. (C) Phase image with pseudo-color representation of optical thickness scaled from -50 to 220 nm. This is calculated from a combination of all 4 interferogram channels. Notice swelling of cells and shriveling of cilia compared to figure on the Breast Cancer Cell page. (D) 3D plot of (C).