Optimizing Coded-Apertures for Depth-Resolved Diffraction

Abstract: Coded apertures, traditionally employed in x-ray astronomy for imaging celestial objects, are now being adapted for micro-scale applications, particularly in studying microscopic specimens with synchrotron light diffraction. In this paper, we focus on micro-coded aperture imaging and its capacity to accomplish depth-resolved micro-diffraction analysis within crystalline specimens. We study aperture specifications and scanning parameters by assessing characteristics like size, thickness, and patterns. Numerical experiments assist in assessing their impact on reconstruction quality. Empirical data from a Laue diffraction microscope at a synchrotron undulator beamline supports our findings. Overall, our results offer key insights for optimizing aperture design in advancing micro-scale diffraction imaging at synchrotrons. This study contributes insights to this expanding field and suggests significant advancements, especially when coupled with the enhanced flux anticipated from the global upgrades of synchrotron sources.