Phase retrieval methods applied to coherent imaging

TL;DR

This paper reviews phase retrieval methods in coherent imaging, focusing on their application to high-resolution imaging of biological macromolecules using advanced radiation sources like free-electron lasers.

Contribution

It provides an overview of phase retrieval techniques and discusses their potential in achieving atomic-resolution imaging of biological macromolecules.

Findings

Highlights the importance of phase retrieval in coherent imaging.

Discusses the role of free-electron lasers in biological imaging.

Identifies challenges and future directions in phase retrieval applications.

Abstract

Modern microscopy techniques are developing towards high-resolution imaging, and tremendous progress has been made in past decades; however, the imaging of individual biological macromolecules at atomic resolution using short-wavelength radiation such as electrons or X-rays has not yet been achieved. The construction of free-electron lasers in many countries around the world arises from the desire to develop new imaging techniques by employing coherent radiation to image individual macromolecules. This work deals with coherent imaging and related phase retrieval techniques, with an emphasis on their application in the imaging of individual biological macromolecules.