Multi-reference lens-less Fourier-transform holography with a Greek-ladder sieve array

Lens-less Fourier-transform holography has been actively studied because of its simple optical structure and its single-shot recording. However, a low-contrast interferogram between the reference and object waves limits its signal to noise ratio. Here, multi-reference lens-less Fourier-transform holography with a Greek-ladder sieve array is proposed in the experiment and demonstrated effectively to improve the signal to noise ratio. The key technique in our proposed method is a Greek-ladder sieve array, which acts as not only a wave-front modulator but also a beam splitter. With advantages of the common path, single shot, and no need for a lens, this system has enormous potential in imaging and especially in extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray holography.