Quantitative phase imaging using a partitioned detection aperture

We present a technique to quantitatively image the phase of thin quasi-transparent samples using extended source incoherent illumination and off-axis detection apertures. Our technique is achromatic and polarization independent, requires no active elements, and can be readily adapted to standard bright-field microscopes. We demonstrate our technique by quantitatively reconstructing the phase of cheek cells and a microlens. The light efficient, single-shot nature of our technique enables phase imaging at frame rates that are camera limited. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America