Hilbert Phase Microscopy Single-Shot Quantitative Imaging

The patent segments the interferometric measurement into three distinct wavelength channels (blue, green, red) that are simultaneously captured in a single recording. Each wavelength provides independent phase information, allowing quantitative phase retrieval without requiring multiple sequential recordings. This segmentation of the measurement process across spectral domains resolves the contradiction by enabling high precision through multi-wavelength analysis while maintaining high productivity through single-shot acquisition.

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-calibrating the system with known phase references and establishing the three-wavelength interferometric measurement protocol before actual imaging. The system is configured in advance to capture all necessary phase information simultaneously across three wavelengths in a single exposure, eliminating the need for sequential measurements. This preliminary setup enables both high precision and rapid acquisition by removing the time-consuming multi-recording requirement.

The patent introduces an intermediary computational processing step that transforms the raw three-wavelength interferometric data into quantitative phase images. The system uses Hilbert transform-based phase retrieval algorithms as an intermediary between data capture and final imaging, automatically converting the complex interferometric measurements into intuitive phase maps. This intermediary processing maintains ease of operation by handling the complex calculations automatically while dramatically improving measurement precision by providing quantitative rather than qualitative phase information.