Demonstration of a Dual-Beam Zone Plate for Phase-Sensitive Coherent Soft X-ray Imaging*

Coherent X-ray imaging is pivotal for delineating spatial distributions of order parameters in quantum materials, yet conventional methods, such as iterative phase retrieval and ptychography, are notably time-intensive and complex. Our innovative dual-beam zone plate (DBZ) simultaneously structures the beam into two focused spots with known phase coherence and directly acquires real-space images, bypassing iterative algorithms and streamlining diffraction imaging. Experimental validations at the COSMIC Beamline (for coherent X-ray imaging) at the Advanced Light Source have served as a proof of principle, showing diffraction fringes akin to a Young's double-slit experiment and resolving distinct phase shifts along with detecting atomic edge spectra across various samples. These findings affirm the DBZ's efficiency in capturing fine structural details. Looking forward, this technology promises to significantly enhance the speed and sensitivity of coherent X-ray imaging, making it ideal for investigating the dynamic heterogeneities in quantum materials. This method holds substantial promise for broad applications, including in-situ studies of domain dynamics and kinetic phenomena within complex electronic systems.