High-resolution scanning phase retrieval with a probe beam of unknown modulus

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Image Reconstruction
• Computational Imaging

Background:

• Phase retrieval is crucial for reconstructing images from intensity measurements.
• Traditional methods often require a reference wave or have limited resolution.
• Scanning illumination offers potential for enhanced imaging capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a high-resolution phase-retrieval method for scanning illumination systems.
• To reconstruct both modulus and phase of an object without a holographic reference wave.
• To improve upon existing phase-retrieval techniques by incorporating higher-frequency data.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes two Fourier intensity measurements: one with a scanned probe beam and another with a filtered probe beam.
• Reconstruction synthesizes object information from zero- and higher-frequency components of these measurements.
• Applies a synthetic procedure to handle probes with unknown modulus, given specific phase conditions.

Main Results:

• Achieves higher resolution in reconstructed objects compared to methods using only zero-frequency components.
• Demonstrates robust reconstruction of one- and two-dimensional complex objects via computer simulations.
• Successfully reconstructs object modulus and phase without a reference wave.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scanning illumination phase-retrieval method offers superior resolution.
• The technique is robust and applicable even with probes of unknown modulus.
• This advancement has significant implications for various imaging applications requiring high-fidelity reconstruction.