Perspective on orientation recovery strategies for Isotropic label-free optical diffraction tomography

Abstract

Optical diffraction tomography serves as an advanced, non-invasive, and label-free imaging method used to map the three-dimensional refractive index profiles of biological specimens. Accurate determination of sample orientation is crucial for reliable 3D reconstructions in optical diffraction tomography. In this paper, we review and compare three fundamental methods for determining sample orientation: feature extraction and tracking, the common circles method, and joint optimization of the refractive index distribution and orientation. Each method is analyzed in terms of its theoretical basis, strengths, and limitations. Our analysis provides insights into the trade-offs of these methods for various experimental conditions.