Traditional digital holographic imaging algorithms need multiple iterations to obtain focused reconstructed image, which is time-consuming. In terms of phase retrieval, there is also the problem of phase compensation in addition to focusing task. Here, a new method is proposed for fast digital focus, where we use U-type convolutional neural network (U-net) to recover the original phase of microscopic samples. Generated data sets are used to simulate different degrees of defocused image, and verify that the U-net can restore the original phase to a great extent and realize phase compensation at the same time. We apply this method in the construction of real-time off-axis digital holographic microscope and obtain great breakthroughs in imaging speed.

To improve the performance of Beamline 3W1B at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility for the soft X-ray magnetic linear dichroism research at transition metals L2,3 edges, a new monochromator was designed and built to replace the original one. After the assemblage, alignment and adjustment of the monochromator system, the first commissioning results were obtained. The photon energy range is from 50 to 1000 eV with spectral resolutions of 1600 at 250 eV and 1000 at 870 eV. The photon flux is of the order of 108–109 photons/s/200 mA/0.1%BW. In the electron's orbital plane the linear polarization degree of the light is higher than 99% at 704 eV. The beamline has satisfied the basic experimental requirements.

Co/C multilayers with a period thickness of 3.54 nm and 30 bilayers were deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering with different background pressures. The effects of residual background gases were investigated. The films were characterized by using grazing incidence hard x-ray reflectivity, soft x-ray reflectivity, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that the x-ray reflectivity of Co/C multilayers decreases with increasing background pressure as well as the increasing interlayer roughness. The inclusion of more residual background air increases the interdiffusion of Co and C layers.