Continuous motion scan ptychography: characterization for increased speed in coherent x-ray imaging

Area of Science:

• Coherent Diffraction Imaging (CDI)
• X-ray Microscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ptychography is a powerful CDI technique for high-resolution imaging of extended objects.
• Traditional ptychography relies on move-settle-measure sequences, which are time-consuming.
• The speed of data acquisition limits the application of ptychography with advanced X-ray sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a continuous "fly-scan" mode for ptychographic data collection.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of fly-scan ptychography in simulations and X-ray imaging experiments.
• To assess the impact of fly-scan mode on data acquisition time and image reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a continuous sample movement strategy during diffraction pattern acquisition.
• Utilized multiple probe mode reconstruction algorithms for image and illumination function recovery.
• Performed simulations and experimental X-ray imaging to validate the fly-scan approach.

Main Results:

• Achieved a significant reduction in data acquisition time, up to a factor of 25.
• Successfully reconstructed object images and illumination functions using fly-scan data.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of fly-scan ptychography in both simulated and real-world scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Fly-scan ptychography offers a substantial improvement in data acquisition speed compared to traditional methods.
• This technique is well-suited for future high-brightness X-ray sources like diffraction-limited storage rings.
• The continuous acquisition mode enhances the efficiency and practicality of ptychographic imaging.