Maskless imaging of dense samples using multi-height lensfree microscope

Abstract

A method of imaging includes illuminating a sample spaced apart from an image sensor at a multiple distances. Image frames of the sample obtained at each distance are registered to one another and lost phase information from the registered higher resolution image frames is iteratively recovered. Amplitude and/or phase images of the sample are reconstructed based at least in part on the recovered lost phase information.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A system for imaging objects within a sample comprising:
 an image sensor;   an illumination source configured to scan along a surface relative to the image sensor and illuminate the sample at a plurality of different locations;   a sample interposed between the image sensor and the illumination source;   means for adjusting an actual or effective distance between the sample and the image sensor; and   at least one processor configured to reconstruct an image of the sample based on the images obtained from the illumination source at the plurality of different scan locations.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the means for adjusting the actual distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises a moveable stage. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the means for adjusting the actual distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises a plurality of inserts. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the means for adjusting the effective distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises changing the illumination wavelength of the illumination source. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the means for adjusting the effective distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises changing the refractive index of media or medium between the sample and the image sensor. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the illumination source comprises one of an aperture or optical waveguide configured to direct light to the sample. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising a mechanically scanning stage configured to move the at least one of the aperture and optical waveguide relative to the image sensor. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the illumination source comprises an optical waveguide comprising a plurality of optical fibers and further comprising a digital switch configured to digitally select one or more of the plurality of optical fibers. 
     
     
         23 . A system for imaging a sample comprising:
 an image sensor;   one or more illumination sources coupled to an array of optical waveguides, wherein the each optical waveguide of the array terminates at a different spatial location in three dimensional space;   a sample holder interposed between the image sensor and the one or more illumination sources;   means for adjusting an actual or effective distance between the sample holder and the image sensor; and   one or more processors operatively coupled to the image sensor and configured to reconstruct at least one of phase images or amplitude images of the sample.   
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the means for adjusting the actual distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises a moveable stage. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the means for adjusting the actual distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises a plurality of inserts. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the means for adjusting the effective distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises changing the illumination wavelength of the illumination source. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the means for adjusting the effective distance between the sample and the image sensor comprises changing the refractive index of media or medium located between the sample and the image sensor. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the one or more illumination sources comprises a plurality of LEDs or laser diodes, wherein each optical waveguide is coupled to a respective LED or laser diode of the plurality. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled)