An alternative approach consists in replacing the sample under analysis.
Concerning throughput optimization, a possible approach is to enlarge the field of view at given frame rate, so to image a larger amount of samples per time, potentially without affecting the image quality 8. This is required for the majority of pharmaceutical and drug‐screening studies. Finally, for the study of large sample populations the microscope must have high throughput capabilities.
In addition, future microscopy devices should have a flexible design that allows for customization with various samples. Then, for a widespread diffusion, the development of portable, automated and easy to use optical microscopes is essential. The need for low cost microscopes is particularly relevant in all developing countries, considering the lack of analysis laboratories and large imaging infrastructures 5, 6, 7. A major challenge is the reduction of the production costs, which should be compatible with mass production. Several challenges need to be faced for the future development of optical microscopy and its adoption in large scale applications, such as (i) point of care diagnostics in healthcare 2, (ii) environmental and pollution monitoring 3, (iii) field analyses and in situ measurement campaigns 4. At the same time, new contrast mechanisms have been continuously conceived, implemented, and improved including, among others, brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, holographic, fluorescence, and Raman microscopies 1. The continuous improvement of spatial and temporal resolution of imaging systems has guided the research and the industrial development of optical microscopy worldwide in the last few centuries. Optical microscopy is one of the most widely used imaging tools in material sciences, molecular biology, life sciences, and environmental monitoring.
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