A nondestructive method for structural imaging is proposed. The method is based on direct measurements of phase and amplitude changes in a two-dimensional x-ray image. A standing wave is formed between two separated crystals allowing high-resolution imaging of the complex refractive index. A comprehensive analysis of the amplitude-phase contrast is possible because of the precisely controlled variation of the phases between the reference and reflected beams from a crystalline mirror. ©1997 American Institute of Physics.