Quantitative phase contrast imaging using common-path in-line digital holography

We propose a method to carry out quantitative phase contrast imaging using in-line digital holography. The phase shifting digital holography is implemented in a common-path in-line configuration with the help of diffraction from a phase grating displayed on a spatial light modulator. The phase shifted interferograms are recorded by shifting the grating within a selected area corresponding to the dc spot in the Fourier transform plane. The feasibility of method is verified by using a multimode fiber as phase object. The method addresses a number of challenges faced by existing methods and dispenses the need for special optics.