phase retrieval algorithms

Phase retrieval algorithms are mathematical techniques used to recover missing information in signals or images, specifically the "phase" part of a waveform. In many imaging systems, like X-rays or electron microscopes, we can capture only the intensity of the light, not the phase, which holds critical information about the object's structure. Phase retrieval algorithms analyze the available data to reconstruct the original image, often employing iterative methods to refine the output until it closely matches the expected results. This process is vital in fields like optics, astronomy, and material science, where precise imaging is essential.