lensless

Lensless imaging, also known as lens-free microscopy or computational imaging, refers to a class of imaging techniques that reconstruct an image without the use of conventional lenses. Instead of relying on optical lenses to focus light, these methods typically employ other physical principles and computational algorithms to create a visual representation of a sample. One common approach involves capturing the diffraction pattern of an object or a hologram. The light interacts with the object, and the resulting scattered or diffracted light is recorded by a sensor, such as a digital camera. This recorded data, often a complex interference pattern, does not directly resemble the object itself. Sophisticated mathematical algorithms, often employing principles of Fourier optics or phase retrieval, are then used to process this recorded data and computationally reconstruct a high-resolution image of the original object.

These techniques offer several advantages over traditional microscopy. They can overcome the diffraction limit of conventional optics, potentially achieving higher resolutions. The absence of bulky lenses can lead to more compact and portable imaging systems, making them suitable for point-of-care diagnostics or field applications. Furthermore, lensless methods can be adapted to image samples that are difficult to image with traditional microscopes, such as opaque or highly scattering materials. Applications span various fields, including biological imaging, materials science, and industrial inspection. While lensless imaging requires significant computational power for image reconstruction, its unique capabilities are driving innovation in imaging technology.