Three-dimensional dynamic stereo imaging microscopy using LCD projector illumination

Abstract

We present low-cost three-dimensional (3D) microstereoimaging using a microscope coupled to an LCD projector light source. The polarization states of green and magenta displayed by the projector are mutually perpendicular which enables simultaneous color and polarization separation of the stereogram taken at two different perspectives. The use of polarized goggles visualizes the transparent samples in 3D which can be extended to simple anaglyph imaging using red-green color filters. The image contrast is then increased using dark oblique illumination patterns which can readily be changed by simple slideshow transition allowing real-time 3D visualization in real-time with no image processing and moving parts.