Mask-assisted deterministic phase-amplitude retrieval from a single far-field intensity diffraction pattern: two...

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Wave physics
• Diffraction imaging

Background:

• Reconstructing complex wavefields is crucial for imaging.
• Far-field diffraction patterns offer rich information but require advanced algorithms for reconstruction.
• Object-plane masks can simplify diffraction data acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simple closed-form algorithm for complex scalar wavefield reconstruction.
• To demonstrate two variants of the algorithm using object-plane masks.
• To experimentally validate the technique with visible light.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing far-field coherent diffraction pattern intensity measurements.
• Applying a suitable object-plane mask (rectangular aperture or displaced mask).
• Performing Fourier transforms and differentiation of the diffraction pattern.

Main Results:

• Deterministic reconstruction of the complex scalar wavefield at the sample's exit surface.
• Successful experimental demonstration of both algorithm variants.
• Generation of independent sample reconstructions from diffraction data.

Conclusions:

• The developed algorithm provides a straightforward method for wavefield reconstruction.
• The technique is experimentally validated and applicable using visible light.
• Object-plane masking offers a practical approach to enhance diffraction-based imaging.