Wide-field mapping of upper airway cilia dynamics using spectrally encoded interferometric microscopy

Spectrally encoded interferometric microscopy (SEIM) is capable of detecting nanometer displacement at a frame rate in the kilohertz regime. By employing a wavelength-sweeping laser and a spectral disperser, SEIM can achieve en face imaging via one-axis scanning. In this study, we compared different processing algorithms for visualizing cilia-induced motion. Our Doppler-based method, combined with phase stabilization and bulk motion correction, provides the highest sensitivity for measuring ciliary beating frequency amongst the tested methods. Traveling waves induced by coordinated cilia motion were visualized. These results demonstrate the potential clinical utility of SEIM for monitoring respiratory function and therapeutic effects.