A Compact Raster Lensless Microscope Based on a Microdisplay

Lensless microscopy requires the simplest possible configuration, as it uses only a light source, the sample and an image sensor. The smallest practical microscope is demonstrated here. In contrast to standard lensless microscopy, the object is located near the lighting source. Raster optical microscopy is applied by using a single-pixel detector and a microdisplay. Maximum resolution relies on reduced LED size and the position of the sample respect the microdisplay. Contrarily to other sort of digital lensless holographic microscopes, light backpropagation is not required to reconstruct the images of the sample. In a mm-high microscope, resolutions down to 800 nm have been demonstrated even when measuring with detectors as large as 138 mu m x 138 mu m, with field of view given by the display size. Dedicated technology would shorten measuring time.

Automated summary

Lensless microscopy with a simple configuration demonstrates the smallest practical microscope, utilizing a single-pixel detector and a microdisplay for raster optical microscopy. Maximum resolution is achieved through reduced LED size and precise sample positioning relative to the microdisplay, without the need for light backpropagation. Resolutions down to 800 nm have been achieved in a mm-high microscope, even with larger detectors, showcasing the potential for dedicated technology to shorten measuring time.