Feature-domain Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FD-FPM) has emerged as a game-changer in pathological screening and analysis, revolutionizing the way diseases are detected, particularly in tumor diagnosis. Unlike traditional digital pathology methods that rely on expensive high-precision equipment, FD-FPM digitalizes high-resolution images with a large field of view (FOV) without the need for mechanical scanning. A recent breakthrough by Associate Prof. Pan An and his research team from the Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has propelled FD-FPM into the spotlight. Their innovative computational framework, FD-FPM, addresses the limitations of conventional FPM by enabling non-blocked full-FOV reconstruction. By optimizing the feature of images rather than focusing solely on the image itself, FD-FPM eliminates vignetting artifacts and exhibits robustness to systematic errors and noise signals, making it a versatile tool for pathological analysis. The application of FD-FPM to a self-developed whole slide imaging (WSI) platform has enabled full-color imaging with a 4.7mm diameter FOV at an impressive resolution of 336 nm, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for high-throughput imaging. This breakthrough is poised to revolutionize the field of biomedical research and clinical applications, paving the way for the widespread acceptance and utilization of FD-FPM. Experts anticipate that FD-FPM will break the long-standing bottleneck in FPM development, ushering in a new era of advanced pathological screening and analysis.
Breaking the Norm: Transforming Pathological Screening
FD-FPM introduces a paradigm shift in pathological screening by leveraging a feature domain-based computational framework to achieve full-FOV reconstruction without block operation. This innovative approach eliminates vignetting artifacts and enhances robustness to systematic errors, overcoming the limitations of traditional FPM methods.
Bridging the Gap: Optimizing Image Features
Unlike conventional methods, FD-FPM focuses on optimizing the feature of images rather than the images themselves. By transforming the target from traditional complex amplitude to complex gradient during iterations, FD-FPM effectively bridges the theoretical model-experimental data divide, enabling accurate and reliable pathological analysis.
Revolutionizing Imaging Technology
The integration of FD-FPM with a WSI platform has enabled automatic high throughput imaging at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. This breakthrough provides a turnkey solution for transforming high-quality imaging platforms into widely accessible tools for biomedical research and clinical applications, propelling the field towards new frontiers.
In conclusion, the advancements in FD-FPM mark a significant milestone in the field of pathological screening and analysis, offering a powerful and cost-effective tool for disease detection and diagnosis. With its unique capabilities and potential for widespread adoption, FD-FPM is set to revolutionize the way we approach biomedical research and clinical practice.