In the PHAICELL project we aim at highlighting the problem of losing information upon optonumerical processing (interferogram acquisition and phase reconstruction) fundamentally limited by noise and phase retrieval imperfections. Although novel numerical techniques based on, e.g., variational/empirical decomposition and further Hilbert spiral transform demodulation, showcase significant advancements, i.e., single-frame analysis with partially-overlapping spectrum, we are claiming the strong need for taking a step further in their development. In the PHAICELL project we unprecedentedly aim at exploring and defining the limits of QPM in terms of high-speed imaging in photon starving regime, extremely low signal to noise ratio of interferograms and strong object absorption, and push these limits. Innovative numerical framework will be based on the paradigm of image decomposition through Adaptive Local Iterative Filtering (ALIF) via originally tailored novel solutions (i.e., 2D fast ALIF). Thus, a new class of phase reconstruction techniques will be established, advancing QPM capacity. PHAICELL has unique features in terms of international network of excellence-driven partner institutions and very ambitious scientific novelty-driven plan. As a result, we plan to enable unique applications in biomedical imaging through numerically and experimentally increased SBP, especially taking into account high-speed imaging of dynamic biological phenomena (moving fish cells or animal spermatozoa, dendrimers aggregations penetrating mesenchymal stem cells etc.).  

PHAICELL will exploit advanced techniques both in experimental, i.e., pseudothermal light sources, custom made waveguide structured, unique WUT-designed phase microscope, and numerical regimes, i.e., ALIF, variational mode decomposition etc.). Through novelty-driven methodology PHAICELL will attempt to surpass the current state-of-the-art in QPM and enable high-speed, low light intensity noninvasive bio-imaging of limited signal with increase phase contrast accuracy. Biomedical collaborators will ensure the challenging nature of the applications and its timeliness, e.g., imaging of fish cells movement and microplastic pollution, and live animal spermatozoon studies in natural environment employing specialized chambers mimicking the womb interior.