Four-dimensional tracking of spatially incoherent illuminated samples using self-interference digital holography

•Self-interference Fourier digital holography is used for 4D imaging of living sample.•Temporal and 3D spatial resolution of the system is quantitatively investigated.•Trajectory of moving zebra fish larva is obtained combing focus detection algorithm.

We present a new method for the four-dimensional tracking of a spatially incoherent illuminated object. Self-interference digital holography is utilized for recording the hologram of the spatially incoherent illuminated object. Three-dimensional spatial coordinates encoded in the hologram are extracted by holographic reconstruction procedure and tracking algorithms, while the time information is reserved by the single-shot configuration. Applications of the holographic tracking methods are expanded to the incoherent imaging areas. Speckles and potential damage to the samples of the coherent illuminated tracking methods are overcome. Results on the quantitative tracking of three-dimensional spatial position over time are reported. In practical, living zebra fish larva is used to demonstrate one of the applications of the method.