Automated phase retrieval of a single-material object using a single out-of-focus image

Phase retrieval is widely used in phase contrast microscopy. Here we present an autofocus algorithm that allows the phase of the exit wave function, from a single-material object, to be reconstructed at medium resolution from a single phase contrast image without any a priori knowledge of the imaging system or object. The algorithm is demonstrated on coherent out-of-focus electron micrographs of 30nm latex sphere calibration standards, giving <10% RMS error over a large defocus range. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America