Fundamental bounds on the precision of iSCAT, COBRI and dark-field microscopy for 3D localization and mass photometry

Interferometric imaging is an emerging technique for particle tracking and mass photometry. Mass or position are estimated from weak signals, coherently scattered from nanoparticles or single molecules, and interfered with a co-propagating reference. In this work, we perform a statistical analysis and derive lower bounds on the measurement precision of the parameters of interest from shot-noise limited images. This is done by computing the classical Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) for localization and mass estimation, using a precise vectorial model of interferometric imaging techniques. We then derive fundamental bounds valid for any imaging system, based on the quantum Cramer-Rao formalism. This approach enables a rigorous and quantitative comparison of common techniques such as interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAT), coherent brightfield microscopy, and dark-field microscopy. In particular, we demonstrate that the light collection geometry in iSCAT greatly increases the axial position sensitivity, and that the Quantum CRB for mass estimation yields a minimum relative estimation error of sigma(m)/m = 1/(2 root N), where N is the number of collected scattered photons.

Automated summary

Interferometric imaging is a promising technique for particle tracking and mass photometry, allowing for precise measurement of parameters from weak signals coherently scattered from nanoparticles or single molecules. By computing the classical Cramer-Rao bound and quantum Cramer-Rao formalism, fundamental bounds on measurement precision can be derived, enabling comparison of different imaging techniques. The study demonstrates the increased axial position sensitivity in iSCAT and the minimum relative estimation error for mass estimation based on Quantum CRB.