Phase retrieval from experimental far-field intensities by use of a Gaussian beam

The noniterative phase-retrieval method by use of Gaussian filtering is applied to the reconstruction of phase objects from experimental far-field intensities. In this method, the complex amplitude of transmitted light through an object is reconstructed from three far-field intensities, which are measured with the modulation of the object by laterally shifted and unshifted Gaussian filters. In the experiment, the amplitude of a Gaussian beam illuminating objects is utilized as a Gaussian filter, and, as the phase objects, a converging lens with a small exit pupil and a plastic fiber immersed in optical adhesive are used. The experimental results show that the Gaussian beam of a laser is capable of retrieving the phases of those objects with the accuracy of the range from similar to1/10 to 1/4 of the laser's wavelength. (C) 2002 Optical Society of America.