Optical diffraction microscopy in a teaching laboratory

We discuss an optics experiment that reproduces all important aspects of diffraction microscopy or coherent diffractive imaging. This technique is used to reconstruct an object's image from its diffraction pattern. The experimental setup is described in detail and only requires material readily available in a well-equipped optics teaching laboratory. The data analysis procedure is explained, in particular the reconstruction part, for which an iterative phase retrieval algorithm is used. The method is illustrated by showing the complex-valued reconstruction of an insect wing from a diffraction pattern measured With this setup. © 2007 American Association of Physics Teachers.