3D Imaging of a Phase Object from a Single Sample Orientation Using an Optical Laser

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel 3D imaging method called ankylography, which reconstructs the structure of phase objects from a single sample orientation using optical laser diffraction patterns, supported by matrix rank analysis.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical explanation of ankylography through matrix rank analysis and demonstrates its application in 3D imaging of phase objects with optical laser diffraction.

Findings

Successful 3D reconstruction of a microscale phase object.

Matrix rank analysis explains the principle of ankylography.

Potential for extending the method to larger and more complex objects.

Abstract

Ankylography is a new 3D imaging technique, which, under certain circumstances, enables reconstruction of a 3D object from a single sample orientation. Here, we provide a matrix rank analysis to explain the principle of ankylography. We then present an ankylography experiment on a microscale phase object using an optical laser. Coherent diffraction patterns are acquired from the phase object using a planar CCD detector and are projected onto a spherical shell. The 3D structure of the object is directly reconstructed from the spherical diffraction pattern. This work may potentially open the door to a new method for 3D imaging of phase objects in the visible light region. Finally, the extension of ankylography to more complicated and larger objects is suggested.