High-resolution (diffraction limited) single-shot multiplexed coded-aperture ptychography

Abstract

We propose and numerically explore a method that upgrades a conventional single-shot microscope into a single-shot ptychographic microscope, without impairing its optical performance. It is based on splitting the microscope's intermediate image plane into multiple replicas, and detecting a set of their coded Fourier transform magnitudes, using a different sensor for each replica. To code each beam, it is transmitted through a distinct coding mask. A ptychographic phase-retrieval algorithm is used to reconstruct the imaged object's complex-valued transmission function. The proposed method also enables ultrahigh-speed imaging by using a pulse-burst as illumination and applying a multi-state reconstruction algorithm. This approach paves the way to both single-frame and ultrahigh-speed, diffraction-limited microscopy of complex-valued objects.