Democratizing Label-Free Bioimaging: A Low-Cost Approach to Quantitative Phase Microscopy*

Quantitative Phase Microscopy (QPM) enables high-precision, label-free imaging by measuring optical path length variations in transparent biological samples, offering an affordable and non-invasive alternative to current commercially available QPM techniques. Our approach leverages the enormous nonlinear optical properties and birefringence of liquid crystal materials. Combined with a polarized camera, this creates a versatile platform suitable for a wide range of applications in the life sciences. This system captures phase information in a single shot, significantly reducing costs while maintaining high accuracy and real-time monitoring capabilities with minimal phototoxicity. We have calibrated the system using a NIST-traceable phase object, ensuring reliability and precision. Applications of our QPM include long-term cellular monitoring, automated confluence measurement, and quantitative analysis of dynamic biological processes—all achieved in a cost-effective manner that aims to democratize advanced imaging technologies for researchers worldwide. By making high-quality quantitative imaging accessible, our QPM platform is poised to enhance research capabilities across multiple disciplines in the biological sciences.