Certain embodiments pertain to laser-based Fourier ptychographic (LFP) imaging systems, angle direction devices used in the LFP imaging systems, optical switches used in the LFP imaging systems, and LFP imaging methods. The LFP systems include an angle direction device for directing laser light to a sample plane at a plurality of illumination angles at different sample times. The LFP systems also include an optical system and a light detector. The optical system receives light issuing from the sample being imaged and propagates and focuses the light to the light detector acquiring raw intensity images.