Multimodal microscopy by digital image processing

Abstract

A matching algorithm is proposed for aligning microscope images obtained using different modalities, making use of cross‐correlations of outputs from Prewitt's edge filter. Brightfield, phase contrast and differential interference contrast microscope images of algal and bacterial cells from an experimental, high‐rate algal pond are used for illustration. The information content of multimodal images is explored using principal components analysis and colour displays, and an image which represents optical thickness is constructed digitally.