Nomarski serial time-encoded amplified microscopy for high-speed contrast-enhanced imaging of transparent media

High-speed high-contrast imaging modalities that enable image acquisition of transparent media without the need for chemical staining are essential tools for a broad range of applications; from semiconductor process monitoring to blood screening. Here we introduce a method for contrast-enhanced imaging of unstained transparent objects that is capable of high-throughput imaging. This method combines the Nomarski phase contrast capability with the ultrahigh frame rate and shutter speed of serial time-encoded amplified microscopy. As a proof of concept, we show imaging of a transparent test structure and white blood cells in flow at a shutter speed of 33 ps and a frame rate of 36.1 MHz using a single-pixel photo-detector. This method is expected to be a valuable tool for high-throughput screening of unstained cells. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America