Single-shot common-path transport of intensity equation method with Greek-ladder sieves

Abstract

Phase recovery based on the transport of intensity equation (TIE) is a promising method for quantitative phase imaging, which is useful for the observation of dynamic objects. This study proposes a single-shot common-path TIE method with Greek-ladder sieves to reconstruct the phase distribution of small transmissive objects. A Greek-ladder sieve was designed to simultaneously capture bi-planar images at a single recording plane; thus, the phase distribution is quantitatively retrieved using a single-shot measurement of the intensity. A 120 µm diameter Greek-ladder sieve was designed to operate at a wavelength of 13.5 nm, and its feasibility was verified in the optical region experimentally. With the advantages of operating in real time and reducing the effects of vibration, this method can be potentially applied for various imaging and detection techniques, especially for biological imaging and wave front detection.