An ultra-compact multiplexed holographic microscope using a multiple-pinhole aperture

In this paper, we present a low-cost and ultra-compact holographic microscope with multiple imaging areas. Instead of a dual-pinhole aperture as presented in our previous work, a multi-pinhole aperture is employed to filter the light source and to generate a reference wave as well as multiple object waves. The reference wave and the object waves interfere at the digital sensor and form multiplexed off-axis holograms without any lenses, splitters or combiners. The optimal number of object waves is determined which does not only fit our system but also brings some inspiration for traditional multiplexed off-axis holography. Our new system is tested to be able to retrieve quantitative phase images along with the amplitude images of multiple imaging areas at the same time with a lateral resolution of ∼ 2.2μm and an accuracy of the optical path of tens of nanometers.