Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed DHM system includes a light source configured to emit coherent optical waves, a first optical Fourier element configured to Fourier transform the optical waves from the object area, wherein the Fourier transform occurs at a Fourier plane and the optical waves from the object area includes directly transmitted waves and diffracted waves, a phase modulator at the Fourier plane configured to introduce a phase delay between the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves, a second optical Fourier element configured to receive the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves from the phase modulator and to inversely Fourier transform the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves to provide interfered optical waves, and at least one imaging device configured to record the interfered optical waves at two image planes to generate a first interferogram and a second interferogram.

Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed DHM system includes a light source configured to emit coherent optical waves, a first optical Fourier element configured to Fourier transform the optical waves from the object area, wherein the Fourier transform occurs at a Fourier plane and the optical waves from the object area includes directly transmitted waves and diffracted waves, a phase modulator at the Fourier plane configured to introduce a phase delay between the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves, a second optical Fourier element configured to receive the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves from the phase modulator and to inversely Fourier transform the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves to provide interfered optical waves, and at least one imaging device configured to record the interfered optical waves at two image planes to generate a first interferogram and a second interferogram.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a microscope into a phase contrast microscope includes a first optical Fourier element that Fourier transforms light from a coherent light source, a cell in the Fourier plane arranged to receive light from the first optical Fourier element, a second optical Fourier element arranged to receive light from the cell and inversely Fourier transform the received light to provide an image, an image sensor that detects the image and generates an electronic representation of the image, and an adaptor capable of coupling the first and second Fourier elements, the cell, and the image sensor to the microscope such that the first Fourier element Fourier transforms light collected by the microscope objective.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a microscope into a phase contrast microscope includes a first optical Fourier element that Fourier transforms light from a coherent light source, a cell in the Fourier plane arranged to receive light from the first optical Fourier element, a second optical Fourier element arranged to receive light from the cell and inversely Fourier transform the received light to provide an image, an image sensor that detects the image and generates an electronic representation of the image, and an adaptor capable of coupling the first and second Fourier elements, the cell, and the image sensor to the microscope such that the first Fourier element Fourier transforms light collected by the microscope objective.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a phase contrast imaging system includes a coherent light source emitting a coherent beam directed toward a sample area; a lens arranged to collect at least part of the beam from the sample area; an element Fourier transforming the collected beam in a Fourier plane; a liquid crystal cell in the Fourier plane that transmits at least part of the transformed beam, wherein the cell includes liquid crystal molecules having a phase transition temperature, and wherein at temperatures exceeding the phase transition temperature, light transmitted through the liquid crystal molecules obtains a different phase than light transmitted through the liquid crystal molecules obtains at temperatures below the phase transition temperature; and an element inversely Fourier transforming the transmitted beam to provide an image. Part of the transformed beam has an intensity sufficient to heat a portion of the liquid crystal molecules above the phase transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for medical imaging. Digital images are processed to provide phase images of a region of interest to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides improved mammography screening for cancerous or precancerous conditions.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a phase contrast imaging system includes a coherent light source emitting a coherent beam directed toward a sample area; a lens arranged to collect at least part of the beam from the sample area; an element Fourier transforming the collected beam in a Fourier plane; a liquid crystal cell in the Fourier plane that transmits at least part of the transformed beam, wherein the cell includes liquid crystal molecules having a phase transition temperature, and wherein at temperatures exceeding the phase transition temperature, light transmitted through the liquid crystal molecules obtains a different phase than light transmitted through the liquid crystal molecules obtains at temperatures below the phase transition temperature; and an element inversely Fourier transforming the transmitted beam to provide an image. Part of the transformed beam has an intensity sufficient to heat a portion of the liquid crystal molecules above the phase transition temperature.