Lensless phase contrast microscopy based on multiwavelength Fresnel diffraction

We demonstrate a compact, wide-field, quantitative phase contrast microscope that does not require lenses for image formation. High-resolution images are retrieved from Fresnel diffraction patterns recorded at multiple wavelengths, combined with a robust iterative phase retrieval algorithm. Quantitative phase contrast images of living cultured neurons are obtained with a transverse resolution of <2 μm. Our system is well suited for high-resolution live cell imaging and provides a compact, cost-effective alternative to full-sized phase-contrast microscopes. © 2014 Optical Society of America.