Optical scatter imaging using digital Fourier microscopy

An approach reported recently by Alexandrov et al. on optical scatter imaging, termed digital Fourier microscopy (DFM), represents an adaptation of digital Fourier holography to selective imaging of biological matter. Holographic mode of recording of the sample optical scatter enables reconstruction of the sample image. Form-factor of the sample constituents provides a basis for discrimination of these constituents implemented via flexible digital Fourier filtering at the post processing stage. Like in the dark-field microscopy, the DFM image contrast appears to improve due to the suppressed optical scatter from extended sample structures. In this paper, we present theoretical and experimental study of DFM using biological phantom that contains polymorphic scatterers.