Imaging without lenses: achievements and remaining challenges of wide-field on-chip microscopy

Nat Methods. 2012 Sep;9(9):889-95. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.2114. Epub 2012 Aug 30.

Abstract

We discuss unique features of lens-free computational imaging tools and report some of their emerging results for wide-field on-chip microscopy, such as the achievement of a numerical aperture (NA) of ∼0.8-0.9 across a field of view (FOV) of more than 20 mm(2) or an NA of ∼0.1 across a FOV of ∼18 cm(2), which corresponds to an image with more than 1.5 gigapixels. We also discuss the current challenges that these computational on-chip microscopes face, shedding light on their future directions and applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Erythrocytes / cytology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Lenses
  • Male
  • Microscopy / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Spermatozoa / cytology