Reduction of coherence induced scattering patterns in self interference digital holographic microscopy

Self interference based digital holographic microscopy (DHM) has been found particular suitable for simplified quantitative phase imaging of living cells [1]. However, main drawbacks of the self interference DHM principle are scattering patterns that are induced by the coherent nature of the laser light which affect the resolution of optical path length changes. We present a simple and efficient technique for the reduction of coherent disturbances in quantitative phase images. The principle is based on the amplitude and phase modulation of the sample illumination and has been found in particular convenient with the self interference DHM concept. Results from the characterisation of the methods and the performance for enhanced quantitative imaging of particles and living cells are presented. [1] B. Kemper, A. Vollmer, C. Rommel, J. Schnekenburger, G. von Bally,