A new-generation FACED imaging solution using diffractive optical elements

Free-space angular-chirp-enhanced delay (FACED) imaging is proven to offer ultrafast imaging speed needed in a wide range of bioimaging applications. However, this superior performance critically requires stringent hardware mechanical stability, which limits it wide applicability for robust long-term operation. We develop FACED 2.0, that integrates diffractive optical elements with the infinity mirrors for preserving the capability of high-density laser-scanning foci generation, and more importantly, and enabling extended stable continuous operation over days or even a week. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we showcased the applicability of FACED 2.0 in high-throughput imaging flow cytometry at the throughput equivalent to ~10,000 cells/sec.