Digital holographic microscopy for quantitative cell dynamic evaluation during laser microsurgery

Digital holographic microscopy allows determination of dynamic changes in the optical thickness profile of a transparent object with sub-wavelength accuracy. Here, we report a quantitative phase laser microsurgery system for evaluation of cellular/ sub-cellular dynamic changes during laser micro-dissection. The proposed method takes advantage of the precise optical manipulation by the laser microbeam and quantitative phase imaging by digital holographic microscopy with high spatial and temporal resolution. This system will permit quantitative evaluation of the damage and/or the repair of the cell or cell organelles in real time. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America