Simulation study of phase retrieval for hard X-ray in-line phase contrast imaging

Two algorithms for the phase retrieval of hard X-ray in-line phase contrast imaging are presented. One is referred to as lterative Angular Spectrum Algorithm (IASA) and the other is a hybrid algorithm that combines IASA with TIE (transport of intensity equation). The calculations of the algorithms are based on free space propagation of the angular spectrum. The new approaches are demonstrated with numerical simulations. Comparisons with other phase retrieval algorithms are also performed. It is shown that the phase retrieval method combining the IASA and TIE is a promising technique for the application of hard X-ray phase contrast imaging.