Cell Observation and Analysis with a Three-Dimensional Optical Wave Field Microscope

Cell observation is crucial in life science research, and advancements in microscopy are essential for deciphering biological phenomena. These technological developments have significantly enhanced our understanding of cellular mechanisms and processes. Light, characterized by its wave-like properties, is fundamental to scientific observation. Recently, new technologies have been developed to detect changes in light wavelengths upon illumination, using them as signals for visualization. Three-dimensional optical wave field microscopy (3D-OWFM), a recent innovation in optimal imaging, leverages the wave properties of light to capture objects without labels, invasive procedures, or direct contact, thus facilitating non-invasive observation. In this study, we observed and analyzed mammalian cell structure and behaviors using 3D-OWFM. The 3D-OWFM revealed the intrinsic structure of the cells, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, with high clarity. The optical path difference (OPD) intensity effectively highlighted nuclear complexity. Furthermore, time-lapse imaging captured cell division process through variations in OPD signal intensity. These findings indicate that 3D-OWFM has significant potential for cell observation, offering insights not attainable with conventional microscopes.