This thesis discusses developments towards a low-cost Fourier Ptychographic microscope for label free imaging of malaria parasites.
A review of the morphology and life cycle of malaria and the main diagnostic methods for its detection is followed by an introduction to Fourier Ptychography with emphasis on the underlying imaging principles and phase retrieval algorithms which are at the core of the algorithms used.
The practical realization of the Fourier Ptychographic setup with the required resolution has proven to be very challenging due to its susceptibility to errors when operating the system at its theoretical limits.
Insights from in-depth analyses of the effects of quantization noise, intensity drop-off due to angled illumination, and partial coherence are presented. These insights rule in- or out these potential error sources and help identify potential mitigations in the design.
In the final chapters the realization of the setup is described, and the results with real blood smear samples are used to illustrate the interference of the error sources. The thesis concludes with considerations for further research and recommendations for international collaboration.