Single-beam phase retrieval with partially coherent light illumination

A single-beam phase retrieval method with partially coherent illumination is proposed. By using an obverse and reverse iterative (ORI) algorithm, objects can be reconstructed within less time by recording a sequence of diffraction patterns at different axial planes under partially coherent light illumination. Partially coherent light illumination reduces coherent noise and the number of diffraction patterns needed for reconstruction. Thus, the whole process is fast and has high immunity to external perturbation due to the reference-less configuration. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.