Unambiguous x-ray phase retrieval from Fraunhofer diffraction data

An unambiguous inverse solution from Fraunhofer diffraction data has been achieved for an amorphous sample of low-molecular weight. The complex scattering amplitude has been reconstructed with submicron spatial resolution using the phase retrieval x-ray diffractometry technique. The technique relies on a logarithmic dispersion relation to determine the x-ray wave phase from the scattered intensity profile. Successful experimental localization of the zeros of the complex scattering amplitude was achieved by utilizing two data sets taken at different incident x-ray energies, permitting a unique solution. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.