Non-iterative method for phase retrieval and coherence characterization by focus variation using a fixed star-shaped...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Image Reconstruction
• Coherent Diffractive Imaging

Background:

• Phase retrieval is crucial for reconstructing images in various optical techniques.
• Traditional iterative methods can be computationally intensive and time-consuming.
• Partial coherence in illumination poses challenges for existing phase retrieval algorithms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, non-iterative phase retrieval method.
• To demonstrate the method's effectiveness through a proof-of-principle experiment.
• To assess the method's robustness against spatial partial coherence.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a fixed, specially designed mask.
• Employs through-focus intensity measurements.
• A non-iterative approach for rapid phase reconstruction.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of the non-iterative phase retrieval method.
• The method exhibits robustness to spatial partial coherence.
• Proof-of-principle experiment validates the proposed technique.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers an efficient alternative to iterative phase retrieval.
• Its robustness to partial coherence makes it suitable for Coherent Diffractive Imaging (CDI).
• The technique is applicable for both imaging and coherence characterization.