HardwareX (Mar 2024)
P-TDHM: Open-source portable telecentric digital holographic microscope
Abstract
We present the design of a low-cost, portable telecentric digital holographic microscope (P-TDHM) that utilizes off-the-shelf components. We describe the system’s hardware and software elements and evaluate its performance by imaging samples ranging from nano-printed targets to live HeLa cells, HEK293 cells, and Dolichospermum via both in-line and off-axis modes. Our results demonstrate that the system can acquire high quality quantitative phase images with nanometer axial and sub-micron lateral resolution in a small form factor, making it a promising candidate for resource-limited settings and remote locations. Our design represents a significant step forward in making telecentric digital holographic microscopy accessible and affordable to the broader community.