Performance of a simulated-annealing algorithm for phase retrieval

We report computer observations on the performance of an improved version of a simulated-annealing algorithm that was used before for the problem of phase retrieval. According to the results, we propose to use this method in conjunction with the algorithm of Fienup [ Opt. Lett.3, 27 ( 1978);Opt. Eng.18529, ( 1979);Appl. Opt.21, 2758 ( 1982). The full power of the simulated-annealing algorithm with large arrays appears to be limited by present-day computers rather than by its numerical performance, but we believe that this combination may constitute an efficient method for phase retrieval.