The Q-Phase microscope is an advanced holographic microscope for Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI), designed for label-free, high-sensitivity live-cell imaging. By combining coherence-controlled holography with LED illumination, Q-Phase eliminates common laser-based artifacts, enabling precise quantification of cell dry mass, morphology, and dynamics in real time.
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Core Technology
Based on Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) with patented coherence-controlled holographic microscopy.
Uses an incoherent LED light source (λ = 660 nm) → eliminates coherence noise and artifacts common with lasers.
Calculates cell dry mass (pg/μm²) from detected phase shifts, allowing real-time quantitative assessment of living cells.
Performance & Imaging
Label-free live-cell imaging → non-invasive, minimal sample manipulation, extremely low phototoxicity.
High sensitivity: phase detection down to 0.011 rad.
Supports multi-modal imaging: QPI, simulated DIC, brightfield, high-pass filtered phase, and optional fluorescence.
Segmentation & tracking: accurate detection of transparent cell boundaries and automated cell profiling.
Imaging in scattering/turbid media (e.g., collagen, Matrigel) – unique capacity in QPI.
Acquisition speed: 16 fps (higher optional).
Automation & Analysis
Fully motorized stage with stage-top incubator for long-term live-cell experiments (temperature, CO₂, humidity control).
Advanced SophiQ software: real-time segmentation, data visualization, multi-parameter analysis, gating, and subpopulation tracking.
Parameters quantified: cell dry mass, density, area, growth rate, motility (speed, Euclidean distance, meandering index), confluence, fluorescence.
Specifications
Objectives: 4× to 60× magnification.
Resolution: 0.58 μm (60× NA 1.4 objective).
Field of view: up to 1.48 mm × 1.48 mm (4× objective).
Stage piezo travel: 500 μm.
Microscope footprint includes anti-vibration platform, control panel, and optional fluorescence module with LED illuminator & filter cubes.
Applications
Cell biology & cancer research: morphology, drug toxicity, cell cycle, rare event detection.
Stem cell research: non-invasive monitoring of differentiation.
Immunology & virology: label-free infection and immune response analysis.
Pharma & drug screening: cytotoxicity assays, cell viability, nanocarrier uptake.
Biomaterials: refractive index mapping of condensates and tissues (e.g., Limulus cornea).
Global Use
Installed at leading institutes:
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics (Germany)
Masaryk University (Czech Republic)
Institute of Molecular Genetics ASCR (Czech Republic)
Brno University of Technology (Czech Republic)
