All-optical quantitative phase imaging through random diffusers using a diffractive network

We present an approach for quantitative phase imaging (QPI) through random, unknown phase diffusers using a diffractive optical network consisting of successive layers optimized through deep learning. Unlike traditional digital reconstruction methods, our all-optical diffractive processor requires no external power beyond the illumination light and completes its QPI reconstruction as the light is transmitted through a thin diffractive processor. With its low power consumption, high frame rate, and compact size, our design offers a transformative alternative for QPI through random, unknown phase diffusers, and it can be readily scaled to work at different wavelengths for various applications in biomedical imaging.