X-ray optics and beam characterization using random modulation: Theory

X-ray near-field speckle-based phase-sensing approaches provide efficient means to characterise optical elements. Here, we present a theoretical review of several of these speckle methods in the frame of optical characterisation and provide a generalization of the concept. As we also demonstrate experimentally in another paper, the methods theoretically developed here can be applied with different beams and optics and within a variety of situations where at-wavelength metrology is desired. By understanding the differences between the various processing methods, it is possible to find and implement the best suited approach for each metrology scenario.