Dual-mode microscopic imaging enabled by a single liquid crystal lens

Dual-mode imaging technology that simultaneously acquires bright-field and phase-contrast images is attracting increasing attention, as it provides a more comprehensive and dynamic approach to studying biological processes. However, conventional implementations face two major limitations. On the one hand, bright-field and spiral phase contrast (SPC) imaging typically relies on different optical hardware, requiring mechanical switching between imaging modes. On the other hand, traditional optical components generally serve a single function, resulting in bulky systems that are difficult to miniaturize and integrate with existing platforms. This work presents an integrated electrically controlled Pancharatnam-Berry phase liquid crystal (LC) lens capable of enabling multi-wavelength dual-mode dual-channel parallel ( MD 2 ) imaging. The MD 2 LC lens combines vortex phase modulation, focusing, and beam splitting functions within a single device, enabling simultaneous bright-field and SPC imaging over a broad spectral range without any mechanical switching. Experimental validation on biological cell samples demonstrates that the MD 2 LC lens can extract both transmittance information and high-contrast edge details in parallel. The proposed scheme provides a technological pathway for multi-dimensional, non-invasive biological imaging and holds potential for applications in biomedical diagnostics, life-science research, and the development of portable imaging systems.