Cornel scientists propose new algorithm for wave propagation and phase retrieval in coherent X-ray diffraction imaging

Imaging with coherent X-rays at high spatial resolution is a promising technique for obtaining information on the internal structures of non-crystalline specimens. Researchers at Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS, Cornell University, USA) recently succeeded in extending the Fresnel theory to retrieve phase information needed for a full image reconstruction. The algorithm gives 3D full field imaging with X-rays. This new scheme has been developed for coherent X-rays, but the distorted-object concept can be applied to other diffraction and imaging fields such as using visible light, electrons, and neutrons. The method is particularly important with respect to the utilization of future X-ray sources that have fully coherent photon beams. Part of their work was published in Phys. Rev. B 72, 033103 (2005). For more information, visit http://news.chess.cornell.edu/index.html