Semi-supervised virtual staining using learned-illumination Fourier ptychography for high-speed label-free histopathology

Chul Lee K, Chae H, Kim J, Kreiss L, Kim H, Guk Kang Y, Zhou KC, Chaware A, Kim K, Xu S, Kang S, Bang G, Hoon Cho N, Hwang D, Horstmeyer R, Ah Lee S (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

JPhys Photonics Institute of Physics (IOP)

Book Volume: 8

Article Number: 015025

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1088/2515-7647/ae270f

Abstract

Virtual staining techniques enable the digital transformation of label-free images into clinically standardized stained images. However, the high costs and time involved in generating labeled datasets for training, combined with the absence of accelerated inference pipelines for high-throughput histopathology workflows remain major challenges to their widespread adoption in clinical practice. To overcome these limitations, we present a hardware-software co-designed system that integrates high-speed Fourier ptychographic microscopy with learned illumination, supported by a semi-supervised learning framework. Our end-to-end approach employs a learned multiplexed illumination strategy that significantly reduces acquisition time while maintaining high spatial resolution across a wide field of view. On the algorithmic side, a multi-stage neural network decouples phase reconstruction from colorization, and a contrastive learning framework further generalize the virtual staining by encouraging the network to focus on intrinsic tissue features rather than absorption-induced variations. Extensive experimental results confirm the effectiveness of our method, demonstrating accurate virtual staining of label-free images while providing a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional histochemical staining.

Involved external institutions

Yonsei University KR Korea, Republic of (KR) Duke University US United States (USA) (US) Seoul National University (SNU) / 서울대학교 KR Korea, Republic of (KR)

How to cite

APA:

Chul Lee, K., Chae, H., Kim, J., Kreiss, L., Kim, H., Guk Kang, Y.,... Ah Lee, S. (2026). Semi-supervised virtual staining using learned-illumination Fourier ptychography for high-speed label-free histopathology. JPhys Photonics, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7647/ae270f

MLA:

Chul Lee, Kyung, et al. "Semi-supervised virtual staining using learned-illumination Fourier ptychography for high-speed label-free histopathology." JPhys Photonics 8.1 (2026).

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