The optical quadrature imaging technique, as derived and extended from microwave and laser radar quadrature detection techniques, provides an efficient method for obtaining phase information from a sample that has little or no amplitude contrast. We are able to resolve internal structures of a sample that are defined by relatively small refractive index differences without the use of dyes or stains, while using much lower light levels than conventional techniques. We have constructed a prototype system for imaging microscopic phase- only objects. In this paper, we present its capabilities, as well as the imaging and reconstruction methods used to obtain quantitative information about a sample.
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