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IMAGE: Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found a way to enhance the sensitivity of existing quantitative phase imaging so that all structures inside living cells can be seen simultaneously,. view more
Credit: s-graphics.co.jp, CC BY-NC-ND
Experts in optical physics have developed a new way to see inside living cells in greater detail using existing microscopy technology and without needing to add stains or fluorescent dyes.
Since individual cells are almost translucent, microscope cameras must detect extremely subtle differences in the light passing through parts of the cell. Those differences are known as the phase of the light. Camera image sensors are limited by what amount of light phase difference they can detect, referred to as dynamic range.