Abstract

A radically new method of tomographic image recording based on reduced coherence interferometry is presented. It has potential for 3-D x-ray imaging use. Previous attempts to produce 3-D x-ray imaging usually involved, in the case of computer assisted tomography,¹ 2-D projection images and heavy use of computers for data processing and display, thus reducing spatial resolution. Recent attempts to produce x-ray holograms² have met shortcomings because of the poor temporal coherence of x-ray lasers. The new method, which is based on holographic recording using radiation with very short temporal coherence length,^3,4 can overcome the above major drawbacks, while still preserving the advantages of both tomography and holography. Moreover, the method can provide a continuum of high spatial resolution images of object slices in a single recording.

© 1991 Optical Society of America