Snapshot coherent diffraction imaging across ultra-broadband spectra

Abstract

Ultrafast imaging simultaneously pursuing high temporal and spatial resolution is a key technique to study the dynamics in the microscopic world. However, the broadband spectra of ultra-short pulses bring a major challenge to traditional coherent diffraction imaging (CDI), as they result in an indistinct diffraction pattern, thereby complicating image reconstruction. To address this, we introduce, to our knowledge, a new ultra-broadband coherent imaging method, and empirically demonstrate its efficacy in facilitating high-resolution and rapid image reconstruction of achromatic objects. The existing full bandwidth limitation for snapshot CDI is enhanced to ∼60% experimentally, restricted solely by our laser bandwidth. Simulations indicate the applicability of our method for CDI operations with a bandwidth as high as ∼140%, potentially supporting ultrafast imaging with temporal resolution into ∼50-attosecond scale. Even deployed with a comb-like harmonic spectrum encompassing multiple octaves, our method remains effective. Furthermore, we establish the capability of our approach in reconstructing a super-broadband spectrum for CDI applications with high fidelity. Given these advancements, we anticipate that our method will contribute significantly to attosecond imaging, thereby advancing cutting-edge applications in material science, quantum physics, and biological research.