Real-time synthetic-aperture digital holographic microscopy

Synthetic aperture digital holographic microscopy extends the resolution and reduces noise limitations compared to conventional digital holographic microscopy. Typically, this technique involves capturing a sequence of holograms with varying illumination angles, followed by a meticulous reconstruction process to align and combine the images in the spatial frequency domain. Here we propose a single-capture implementation with real-time numerical reconstruction. Furthermore, we employ a modular approach, such that an illumination module and a self-reference capture module can be attached to an existing life-science microscope with low cost and straight forward alignment. A mathematical model of image formation enables the inclusion of a non-blind deconvolution step in the real-time reconstruction process to enhance small features. The experimental results on a range of biological samples clearly demonstrate the high quality and practical utility of the method for imaging biological samples and the improvement of the method over classical coherent holographic microscopy in terms of resolution and noise. • We introduce a single-capture SA-DHM technique that enhances resolution and reduces noise. • Uses an easily aligned modular self-reference SA-DHM system with low cost. • Module can be attached to existing microscopes, facilitating widespread application. • Real-time SA-DHM numerical reconstruction with non-blind deconvolution. • Spatial resolution equivalent to brightfield microscopy. • Phase accuracy improved by reduced noise and deconvolution.