Open AccessResolution enhancement in coherent x-ray diffraction imaging by overcoming instrumental noise
Author(s) -
Chan Kim,
Yoonhee Kim,
Changyong Song,
Sang Soo Kim,
Sunam Kim,
Hyon Chol Kang,
Y. Hwu,
KuDing Tsuei,
K. S. Liang,
Do Young Noh
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.029161
Subject(s) - coherent diffraction imaging , optics , diffraction , phase retrieval , ptychography , physics , image resolution , resolution (logic) , phase (matter) , scattering , interference (communication) , coherent backscattering , noise (video) , materials science , image (mathematics) , computer science , channel (broadcasting) , fourier transform , computer network , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence
We report that reference objects, strong scatterers neighboring weak phase objects, enhance the phase retrieval and spatial resolution in coherent x-ray diffraction imaging (CDI). A CDI experiment with Au nano-particles exhibited that the reference objects amplified the signal-to-noise ratio in the diffraction intensity at large diffraction angles, which significantly enhanced the image resolution. The interference between the diffracted x-ray from reference objects and a specimen also improved the retrieval of the phase of the diffraction signal. The enhancement was applied to image NiO nano-particles and a mitochondrion and confirmed in a simulation with a bacteria phantom. We expect that the proposed method will be of great help in imaging weakly scattering soft matters using coherent x-ray sources including x-ray free electron lasers.