Phase retrieval

A method for phase retrieval, the method comprising:

• obtaining multiple out-of-focus intensity images of one or more point spread function targets;
• wherein the multiple out-of-focus intensity images are generated based on residual collected light signals obtained by a residual collection channel of an optical unit having a numerical aperture that exceeds 0.8;
• and
• calculating phase information based on the multiple out-of-focus intensity images and on a vectorial model of a point spread function;
• wherein at least two of the multiple out-of-focus intensity images are obtained with different illumination beam shaping conditions.

A computerized system for phase retrieval, the computerized system comprising a processing circuitry, an optical unit, and a memory unit, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to:

• receive multiple out-of-focus intensity images of one or more point spread function targets;
• wherein the multiple out-of-focus intensity images are generated by based on residual collected light signals obtained by a residual collection channel of the optical unit having a numerical aperture that exceeds 0.8;
• and
• calculate phase information, based on the multiple out-of-focus intensity images and on a vectorial model of a point spread function;
• wherein the optical unit comprises a light distribution unit that comprises an apertured mirror having an opening, wherein the opening is shaped and sized to receive a majority of a collected scattered light beam, while a minor part of the collected scattered light beam impinges on a reflecting region of the apertured mirror to provide the residual collected light signals.

A computerized system for phase retrieval, the computerized system comprising a processing circuitry, an optical unit, and a memory unit, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to:

• receive multiple out-of-focus intensity images of one or more point spread function targets;
• wherein the multiple out-of-focus intensity images are generated by based on residual collected light signals obtained by a residual collection channel of the optical unit having a numerical aperture that exceeds 0.8;
• and
• calculate phase information, based on the multiple out-of-focus intensity images and on a vectorial model of a point spread function;
• wherein the optical unit comprises an illumination module that is configured to change one or more illumination parameters during an acquisition of at least some of the multiple out-of-focus intensity images.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for phase retrieval, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium stores instructions for:

• obtaining multiple out-of-focus intensity images of one or more point spread function targets;
• wherein the out-of-focus intensity images are generated by based on residual collected light signals obtained by a residual collection channel of an optical unit having a numerical aperture that exceeds 0.8;
• passing a majority of a collected scattered light beam through an opening of an apertured mirror of a light distribution unit of the optical unit;
• reflecting a minor part of the collected scattered light beam by a reflecting region of the apertured mirror to provide the residual collected light signals;
• and
• calculating phase information, based on the multiple out-of-focus intensity images and on a vectorial model of a point spread function.