Wavefront Microscopy Using Quadriwave Lateral Shearing Interferometry: From Bioimaging to Nanophotonics

Common cameras are only sensitive to the intensity of light, discarding an essential feature a light wave: its phase profile or, equivalently, wavefront profile. This Review focuses on rising imaging technique called quadriwave lateral shearing interferometry (QLSI), based simple use 2-dimensional diffraction grating, aka cross-grating, in front regular camera. We detail working principle QLSI and implementation optical microscope. highlight microscopy applications bioimaging nanophotonics, particular for characterization living cells, nanoparticles, 2D materials, metasurfaces, microscale temperature gradients, surface topography. Finally, we draw critical comparison with current quantitative techniques, namely, digital holography (DHM), spatial interference (SLIM), (DPM).