Imaging device and method for holographic imaging of samples

An imaging device for holographic imaging of a sample, the imaging device comprising:

• a light source configured to generate a light beam;
• a beam splitter configured to receive the light beam and to split the light beam into an object beam along an object beam path in the imaging device and a reference beam along a reference beam path in the imaging device;
• and
• a detector comprising an array of light sensitive areas,
• wherein the imaging device defines a sample position, the sample position being configured for receiving the sample,
• wherein the object beam path is arranged in the imaging device such that the object beam is propagated through the sample position, and wherein the detector is arranged in relation to the object beam path so as to prevent non-scattered object light, passing through the sample position without being scattered by the sample, from being incident onto the array of light sensitive areas,
• wherein the reference beam path is arranged in the imaging device such that the reference beam is propagated through the sample position, and wherein the detector is arranged in relation to the reference beam path so that non-scattered reference light, passing through the sample position without being scattered by the sample, is incident onto the array of light sensitive areas,
• wherein the detector is configured to detect an interference pattern formed by interference between scattered object light, being scattered by the sample, and the non-scattered reference light,
• wherein the detector is arranged with respect to the object beam such that a portion of the object beam path passing through the sample position extends in a direction parallel with a plane of the detector onto which the array of light sensitive areas is arranged.