Wide field amplitude and phase confocal microscope with speckle illumination

This communication describes a wide field phase sensitive confocal optical microscope based on correlation between speckles. We show both experimentally and theoretically that the system operates as a wide field amplitude and phase confocal system; and demonstrate unique modes of operation such as extended focus phase measurement, which have, hitherto, only been demonstrated on scanning systems. Some potential applications of the system are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.