Non-iterative phase retrieval by phase modulation through a single parameter

• Published in: Ultramicroscopy 2017-03, Vol.174, p.70-78
• Main Authors: Konijnenberg, A.P., Coene, W.M.J., Urbach, H.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0304-3991; 1879-2723
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2016.12.017

We report on a novel non-iterative phase retrieval method with which the complex-valued transmission function of an object can be retrieved with a non-iterative computation, with a limited number of intensity measurements. The measurements are taken in either real space or Fourier space, and for each measurement the phase in its dual space is modulated according to a single optical parameter. The requirement found for the phase modulation function is a general one, which therefore allows for plenty of customization in this method. It is shown that quantitative Zernike phase contrast imaging is one special case of this general method. With simulations we investigate the sampling requirements for a microscopy setup and for a Coherent Diffraction Imaging (CDI) setup. •A non-iterative phase retrieval method based on applying a series of phase modulations is presented.•The method can be applied to microscopy as well as coherent diffractive imaging.•The method is general and includes quantitative Zernike phase contrast imaging.•As opposed to focus variation, no assumptions about the object have to be made.•As opposed to 2D astigmatism variation, only a single parameter needs to be varied.