SUMMARY We describe the concept and first implementation of an innovative new instrument for quantitative light microscopy. Currently, it provides selective imaging of optical path differences due to birefringence; with further development, it is also possible to selectively image several optical properties, including refractive path differences, optical rotation, and linear and circular dichroism, all with diffraction‐limited resolution. An image consists of a 512×512 element array, with each pixel displaying one of 256 grey levels, linearly proportional to the specific optical property being observed. Additionally, conventional brightfield and polarized light microscopy are available, with the accompanying advantages of laser scanning and digital image processing. The microscope consists of three subsystems, representing three distinct technologies. The laser scanning subsystem moves a focused, microspot across the specimen; the output of a photodetector is an electric signal corresponding to a scanned image. The image display subsystem digitizes this signal and displays it as an image on a video monitor. When used in conjunction with a phase modulation feedback loop, the image formed is of the specimen's birefringent retardation or other selected optical property. The digitized images are also available for computer enhancement.