Method of characterizing and imaging microscopic objects

A microscopic object characterization system comprises a computer system, a microscope with a computing unit connected to the computer system, and an object characterization program executable in the computer system configured to receive refractive index data representing at least a spatial distribution of measured values of refractive index (RI) or values correlated to refractive index of the microscopic object. The object characterization program is operable to execute an algorithm applying a plurality of transformations on the refractive index data. The transformations generate a distribution of two or more parameters used to characterize features of the microscopic object. The computer system further comprises a feedback interface configured for connection to one or more data servers in a network computing system, via a global communications network such as the internet, and configured to receive feedback data from the data servers for processing by the object characterization program to calibrate, refine or enhance a characterization of the features.