In a study led by Tampere University, researchers have developed a new lensless imaging method that produces precise quantitative data on living cells from a single image. The compact system can be placed inside a standard cell-culture incubator, allowing living cells to be monitored continuously for hours or even days without staining or other labels. The research is published in the journal Applied Physics Letters.

Researchers have developed a new lensless quantitative phase imaging method, called SF-PULSE, which combines an AI-based neural network with physics-informed image reconstruction.

The method is designed for use in a compact imaging system that can operate directly inside a standard cell-culture incubator. This allows cells to be monitored continuously for hours or even days without the need for staining or repeated removal from the incubator for imaging.