Novel Fourier-domain constraint for fast phase retrieval in coherent diffraction imaging

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Computational Imaging

Background:

• Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a powerful technique for atomic resolution imaging.
• A key challenge in CDI is the accurate numerical phase retrieval from diffraction patterns.
• Existing phase retrieval methods often rely on iterative procedures with object and detector plane constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel numerical method for phase retrieval in CDI.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional phase retrieval techniques.
• To enhance the speed and reliability of iterative reconstruction processes in CDI.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of a novel Fourier-domain constraint for phase retrieval, inspired by holography.
• Iterative propagation of complex-valued wave between object and detector planes.
• Application of both object and Fourier-domain constraints during reconstruction.

Main Results:

• The proposed method achieves low-resolution reconstruction in the initial steps.
• High-resolution reconstruction is obtained after subsequent iterative steps.
• Demonstrated fast and reliable convergence compared to conventional CDI schemes.

Conclusions:

• The novel Fourier-domain constraint significantly improves CDI phase retrieval.
• This method offers a more efficient and robust approach for atomic resolution imaging.
• The technique holds promise for advancing single-molecule visualization and materials characterization.