Phase retrieval for arbitrary Fresnel-like linear shift-invariant imaging systems suitable for tomography

We present a generalization of the non-iterative phase retrieval in X-ray phase contrast imaging applicable for an arbitrary linear shift-invariant (LSI) imaging system with a non-negligible amount of free space propagation (termed as Fresnel-like). Our novel approach poses no restrictions on the propagation distance between optical elements of the system. In turn, the requirements are only demanded for the transfer function of the optical elements, which should be approximable by second-order Taylor polynomials. Furthermore, we show that the method can be conveniently used as an initial guess for iterative phase retrieval, resulting in faster convergence. The proposed approach is tested on synthetic and experimentally measured holograms obtained using a Bragg magnifier microscope – a representative of Fresnel-like LSI imaging systems. Finally, the algorithm is applied to a whole micro-tomographic scan of a biological specimen of a tardigrade, revealing morphological details at the spatial resolution of 300 nm – limiting resolution of the actual imaging system.