Time multiplexing super-resolved imaging without a priori knowledge of the spatial distribution of the encoding structured illumination

Time multiplexing is a super-resolution technique that sacrifices time to overcome the resolution reduction obtained because of diffraction. There are many super resolution methods based on time multiplexing, but all of them require a priori knowledge of the time changing encoding mask, which is projected on the object and used to encode and decode the high-resolution information. In this paper, we present a time multiplexing technique that does not require the a priori knowledge on the projected encoding mask. First, the theoretical concept of the technique is demonstrated; then, numerical simulations and experimental results are presented.

Resolution enhancement in quantitative phase microscopy

Quantitative phase microscopy (QPM), a technique combining phase imaging and microscopy, enables visualization of the 3D topography in reflective samples, as well as the inner structure or refractive index distribution of transparent and translucent samples. Similar to other imaging modalities, QPM is constrained by the conflict between numerical aperture (NA) and field of view (FOV): an imaging system with a low NA has to be employed to maintain a large FOV. This fact severely limits the resolution in QPM up to 0.82λ/NA, λ being the illumination wavelength. Consequently, finer structures of samples cannot be resolved by using modest NA objectives in QPM. Aimed to that, many approaches, suc…

Usage of moving nanoparticles for improved holographic recording

Metal nanoparticles are used for different applications in holographic configurations. The metal nanoparticles are placed close to an object and encode it by a time varying random mask. A decoding mask is computed and used to obtain super-resolution digital hologram and eliminate the twin image and DC from a digital hologram. The method is also shown to be applicable for other optical methods.

Coherent Microscopy for 3-D Movement Monitoring and Super-Resolved Imaging

In this chapter we present three types of microscopy-related configurations while the first one is used for 3-D movement monitoring of the inspected samples, the second one is used for super-resolved 3-D imaging, and the last one presents an overview digital holographic microscopy applications. The first configuration is based on temporal tracking of secondary reflected speckles when imaged by properly defocused optics. We validate the proposed scheme by using it to monitor 3-D spontaneous contraction of rat’s cardiac muscle cells while allowing nanometric tracking accuracy without interferometric recording. The second configuration includes projection of temporally varying speckle patterns…

Transverse resolution improvement using rotating-grating time-multiplexing approach

The ability to improve the limited resolving power of optical imaging systems while approaching the theoretical diffraction limit has been an attractive discipline with growing interest over the last years due to its benefits in many applied optics systems. This paper presents a new approach to achieve transverse superresolution in far-field imaging systems, with direct application in both digital microscopy and digital holographic microscopy. Theoretical analysis and computer simulations show the validity of the presented approach.

Speckle based sensing device for fast detection of malaria

We propose a new technique for malaria detection. It is based upon extraction of correlation based statistics of speckle patterns generated while illuminating red blood cells with a laser and inspecting them under a microscope.

Photonic non-contact estimation of blood lactate level

The ability to measure the blood lactate level in a non-invasive, non-contact manner is very appealing to the sports industry as well as the home care field. That is mainly because this substance level is an imperative parameter in the course of devolving a personal workout programs. Moreover, the blood lactate level is also a pivotal means in estimation of muscles' performance capability. In this manuscript we propose an optical non-contact approach to estimate the concentration level of this parameter. Firstly, we introduce the connection between the physiological muscle tremor and the lactate blood levels. Secondly, we suggest a photonic optical method to estimate the physiological tremo…

Laser Vibrometer Interferometry for Speckle Patterns Tracking Systems

In this paper we propose a modulated laser system combining a speckle pattern tracking method for surface tilting changes sensing with an interferometer for surface z-axis changes sensing at the same scan time.

Space–bandwidth product of optical signals and systems

The space–bandwidth product (SW) is fundamental for judging the performance of an optical system. Often the SW of a system is defined only as a pure number that counts the degrees of freedom of the system. We claim that a quasi-geometrical representation of the SW in the Wigner domain is more useful. We also represent the input signal as a SW in the Wigner domain. For perfect signal processing it is necessary that the system SW fully embrace the signal SW.

Synthetic aperture superresolution by speckle pattern projection.

We propose a method for increasing the resolution of an aperture limited optical system by illuminating the input with a speckle pattern. The high resolution of the projected speckle pattern demodulates the high frequencies of the sample and permits its passage through the system aperture. A decoding provides the superresolved image. The speckle pattern can be generated in a simple manner in contrast with other structured light superresolution methods. The method is demonstrated in microscopy test images.

Two-dimensional wavelet transform by wavelength multiplexing

The wavelet transform is a useful tool for data compression, analysis of short transient pulses, optical correlators, etc. This transform was obtained optically by the use of the spatial or temporal multiplexing approaches. A two-dimensional wavelet transform is obtained with only one spatial channel. The information of the different scalings is carried in different wavelengths and summed incoherently at the output plane. Laboratory experimental results are demonstrated.

Demonstration of remote optical measurement configuration that correlates to glucose concentration in blood

An optical approach allowing the extraction and the separation of remote vibration sources has recently been proposed. The approach has also been applied for medical related applications as blood pressure and heart beats monitoring. In this paper we demonstrate its capability to monitor glucose concentration in blood stream. The technique is based on the tracking of temporal changes of reflected secondary speckle produced in human skin (wrist) when being illuminated by a laser beam. A temporal change in skin’s vibration profile generated due to blood pulsation is analyzed for estimating the glucose concentration. Experimental tests that were carried out in order to verify the proposed appro…

Validation of a novel contact-free heart and respiratory rate monitor.

There is a growing need for remote monitoring of patients due to a lack of resources and infection control. Current systems use sensors that require constant physical contact with the user, which may result in discomfort or lack of adherence. In the present study, we evaluated the accuracy of a new contact-free system to monitor heart and respiratory rate. Study participants were measured simultaneously using two devices: a contact-free optical system that measures nano-vibrations and movements (investigational device, "Gili Pro BioSensor") and a standard reference bed-side monitor, inclusive of an electrocardiogram and capnograph modules (Mindray

Using Partial Coherence and Digital Holography for 3D Imaging and Profile Extraction

Two approaches for 3D imaging are presented. At first we use partial coherence of the light source and in the second we compute the unwrapped phase by illuminating the object from several slightly different angles.

Random angular coding for superresolved imaging.

In this paper, we present a new approach capable of working under coherent and incoherent illumination for achieving superresolution by random coding of the object's angular information. By placing two static random masks in optically conjugate planes inside an aperture-limited imaging setup, one may obtain a transmitted image containing spatial resolution higher than the one obtained without the masks. As the most noticeable fact, the superresolution effect is obtained without imposing any restrictions either in the time domain or in the field-of-view domain but rather only in the dynamic range of the camera device. Experimental verifications for the proposed technique with incoherent illu…

Common-path phase-shifting digital holographic microscopy: A way to quantitative phase imaging and superresolution

We present an experimental setup useful for complex amplitude evaluation and phase image quantification of three-dimensional (3-D) samples in digital holographic microscopy (DHM). It is based on a common-path interferometric configuration performed by dividing the input plane in two contiguous regions and by placing a translation grating near to the Fourier plane. Then, complex amplitude distribution of the sample under test is recovered with phase-shifting standard method obtained by moving the grating using a linear motion stage. Some experimental results of an USAF resolution test are presented for different numerical aperture (NA) microscope lenses. In a second part, the proposed setup …

Three-Dimensional Mapping and Ranging of Objects Using Speckle Pattern Analysis

In this chapter, we present two novel approaches for 3-D object shape measurement and range estimation based on digital image processing of speckle patterns. In the first one, 3-D mapping and range measurement are retrieved by projecting, through a ground glass diffuser, random speckle patterns on the object or on the camera for a transmissive and reflective configuration, respectively. Thus, the camera sensor records in time sequence different speckle patterns at different distances, and by using correlation operation between them, it is possible to achieve 3-D mapping and range finding. In the second one, the 3-D mapping and ranging are performed by sensing the visibility associated with …

Spatial information transmission using orthogonal mutual coherence coding.

We use the coherence of a light beam to encode spatial information. We apply this principle to obtain spatial superresolution in a limited aperture system. The method is based on shaping the mutual intensity function of the illumination beam in a set of orthogonal distributions, each one carrying the information for a different frequency bandpass or spatial region of the input object. The coherence coding is analogous to time multiplexing but with multiplexing time slots that are given by the coherence time of the illumination beam. Most images are static during times much longer than this coherence time, and thus the increase of resolution in our system is obtained without any noticeable c…

Remote Sensing of Photoplethysmogram using Multi Spot Illumination

The ability to remotely extract Photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals is of great interest. A novel approach to overcome motion related noise, based on a multi spot pattern was experimentally demonstrated. Improvement of PPG signal is presented.

Spatially multiplexed interferometric microscopy with partially coherent illumination

We have recently reported on a simple, low cost, and highly stable way to convert a standard microscope into a holographic one [Opt. Express 22, 14929 (2014)]. The method, named spatially multiplexed interferometric microscopy (SMIM), proposes an off-axis holographic architecture implemented onto a regular (nonholographic) microscope with minimum modifications: the use of coherent illumination and a properly placed and selected one-dimensional diffraction grating. In this contribution, we report on the implementation of partially (temporally reduced) coherent illumination in SMIM as a way to improve quantitative phase imaging. The use of low coherence sources forces the application of phase…

A microscope configuration for nanometer 3-D movement monitoring accuracy.

In this paper we present a new microscopy configuration based upon temporal tracking of a secondary reflected speckle by imaging the speckle through properly defocused optics. The configuration is used to monitor three-dimensional (3-D) spontaneous contraction of rat cardiac muscle cells while achieving nanometer tracking accuracy at a rate of 30 frames per second (fps) without using interferometric recording. Estimation of the change in the optical path of accuracy of 50 nm in the transverse direction and of 200 nm in the axial direction was achieved.

On axis holography by random particles encoding

A method for eliminating the unwanted terms in an on axis hologram is presented. In this method, free randomly distributed nanoparticles are in proximity to the object and their Brownian motion encodes the spatial features of the object in the recorded hologram. The nanoparticles are localized and a decoding pattern is calculated for each frame. This decoding pattern is then used to remove the reference beam and the conjugate beam in the reconstruction of the hologram.

Speckle based configuration for simultaneousin vitroinspection of mechanical contractions of cardiac myocyte cells

In this manuscript we propose optical lensless configuration for a remote non-contact measuring of mechanical contractions of vast number of cardiac myocytes. All the myocytes were taken from rats, and the measurements were done in an in vitro mode. The optical method is based on temporal analysis of secondary reflected speckle patterns generated in lensless microscope configuration. The processing involves analyzing the movement and the change in the statistics of the generated secondary speckle patterns that are created on top of the cell culture when it is illuminated by a spot of laser beam. The main advantage of the proposed system is the ability to measure many cells simultaneously (a…

Synthetic aperture microscopy using off-axis illumination and polarization coding

A new method to improve the resolution of optical imaging systems beyond the classical Rayleigh resolution limit is presented. The technique relies on synthetic aperture generation in three stages. The first one (encoding stage) uses an illumination procedure that combines both on-axis and off-axis illumination beams with different polarization states onto the object. After the imaging system, a second stage (decoding stage) allows the recovering of the encoded spatial-frequency object information by means of an interferometric configuration based on the polarization coding carried out in the previous stage. Finally, a third stage (digital post-processing stage) is used to generate a synthe…

Sub-wavelength and non-periodic holes array based fully lensless imager

Abstract We present a novel concept for microscopic imaging. The proposed microscope-like device does not include an objective lens neither a condenser. Instead, a metallic plate of sub-wavelength hole-array with a varying pitch is used to illuminate the inspected object that is mounted very close to it. As a result, the transmitted spectrum through each hole differs from the others and therefore, each spot of the detected object is illuminated with a unique spectrum. By measuring a single spectrum that is the sum of all the spectra that are transmitted through the sample and by using spectral decomposition algorithms, the spatial transmission pattern of the object can be extracted.

3D imaging and visualization: An overview of recent advances

This paper presents an overview of our published work on physical principles, applications, and advances in integral imaging and digital holography. Various approaches for image capture, image reconstruction, and 3D display methods are overviewed. Applications including 3D underwater imaging, 3D imaging in photon-starved environments, 3D tracking of occluded objects, 3D optical microscopy, and 3D polarimetric imaging are reviewed.

Optical remote sensor for alcohol concentration in blood

In this paper we incorporate recently developed novel optical approach for extraction of remote vibration sources to estimate the alcohol concentration in blood stream.

Superesolution in digital holographic microscopy

In this contribution, we address with the possibility to overcome the limited resolving power of imaging systems beyond the limit imposed by Abbe's diffraction theory. We first review the mathematical foundations underlying superresolution (SR) from an information theory point of view and then we focus on two multiplexing approaches in digital holographic microscopy (DHM) for achieving SR by synthetic aperture (SA) generation.

Superresolved imaging based on wavelength multiplexing of projected unknown speckle patterns

We propose a method for resolution enhancement of a diffraction limited optical system based on the capture of a set of low resolution images. These images are obtained after projection of an ensemble of unknown speckle patterns on top of the high resolution object that is to be imaged. Each speckle pattern is generated by the same thin (and unknown) diffuser, but illuminated with a slightly different wavelength. From the ensemble of low resolution images, we obtain a system of equations that can be solved in an iterative manner that enables reconstruction of the high resolution object. As a result, we also achieve the projected high resolution speckle patterns used for the encoding.

Superresolved imaging in digital holography by superposition of tilted wavefronts

A technique based on superresolution by digital holographic microscopic imaging is presented. We used a two dimensional (2-D) vertical-cavity self-emitting laser (VCSEL) array as spherical-wave illumination sources. The method is defined in terms of an incoherent superposition of tilted wavefronts. The tilted spherical wave originating from the 2-D VCSEL elements illuminates the target in transmission mode to obtain a hologram in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. Superresolved images of the input object above the common lens diffraction limit are generated by sequential recording of the individual holograms and numerical reconstruction of the image with the extended spatial frequ…

Optical sensor for remote estimation of alcohol concentration in blood stream

Abstract The purpose of this manuscript is to validate our recently developed novel optical approach for extraction of remote vibration sources as a successful technique to estimate the alcohol concentration in blood stream. This technique is based on the tracking of temporal changes of reflected secondary speckle patterns produced in human skin when being illuminated by a laser beam. Since the skin’s vibrations profile is changed due to the alcohol in the blood stream, the extraction of the vibration profile can be translated into the corresponding alcohol concentration values by means of defining several parameters acting as indicators for the presence of alcohol in the blood stream. We h…

Augmentative Alternative Communication using Eyelid Movement Remote Detection by Speckle Patterns Tracking System for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease

The implementation of augmentative alternative communication optical device for ALS speech problem is presented. The sensor is based on temporal tracking of back-reflected secondary speckle patterns generated when illuminating an eyelid with a laser.

Digital Holography and Phase Retrieval

Hamootal Duadi1, Ofer Margalit1, Vicente Mico2, Jose A. Rodrigo3, Tatiana Alieva4, Javier Garcia2 and Zeev Zalevsky1 1School of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, 2Departamento de Optica, Universitat de Valencia, c/Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, 3Instituto de Optica (CSIC), Imaging and Vision Department. Serrano 121, Madrid 28006, 4Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias Fisicas, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid 28040, 1Israel 2,3,4Spain

Resolution enhancement and orders separation in on-axis nanoparticles based digital holography

A method for eliminating the unwanted terms in an on axis hologram is presented. Free randomly distributed nanoparticles are used to encode and later on to decode/separate the desired term from the unwanted aberrations.

Simultaneous remote extraction of multiple speech sources and heart beats from secondary speckles pattern

The ability of dynamic extraction of remote sounds is very appealing. In this manuscript we propose an optical approach allowing the extraction and the separation of remote sound sources. The approach is very modular and it does not apply any constraints regarding the relative position of the sound sources and the detection device. The optical setup doing the detection is very simple and versatile. The principle is to observe the movement of the secondary speckle patterns that are generated on top of the target when it is illuminated by a spot of laser beam. Proper adaption of the imaging optics allows following the temporal trajectories of those speckles and extracting the sound signals ou…

Super-resolved imaging with randomly distributed, time- and size-varied particles

In this paper we present a super-resolved approach aimed at overcoming the diffraction limit in imaging systems. It is based on place randomly and time-varied particles having different sizes on the top of the sample. By considering particle sizes smaller than the object's minimum detail that an imaging system can resolve, it is possible to recover a high resolution image from a set of low resolution images while before capturing each image we produce a randomly modified distribution of the particles by vibrating the sample. The simulation process as well as experimental results validates the proposed approach that includes effectively decreasing the F number of the imaging system while bei…

Super Resolved Holographic Configurations

Super Resolution Methods Implementing Diffractive Masks Having a Certain Degree of Periodicity

This section presents an approach that provides super resolved imaging at the center of the field of view and yet allows to see the remaining of the original field of view with original resolution. This operation resembles optical zooming while the zoomed and the nonzoomed images are obtained simultaneously. This is obtained by taking a single snap-shot and using a single imaging lens. The technique utilizes a special static/still coding element and a postprocessing algorithmic, without any mechanical movements.

Two-dimensional optical wavelet decomposition with white-light illumination by wavelength multiplexing

We present a novel method for achieving in real time a two-dimensional optical wavelet decomposition with white-light illumination. The underlying idea of the suggested method is wavelength multiplexing. The information in the different wavelet components of an input object is transmitted simultaneously in different wavelengths and summed incoherently at the output plane. Experimental results show the utility of the new proposed method.

Rounding noise effects’ reduction for estimated movement of speckle patterns

The problem of resolution enhancement for speckle patterns analysis-based movement estimation is considered. In our previous publications we showed that this movement represents the corresponding tilt vibrations of the illuminated object and can be measured as a relative spatial shift between time adjacent images of the speckle pattern. In this paper we show how to overcome the resolution limitation obtained when using an optical sensor available in an optical mouse and which measures the Cartesian coordinates of the shift as an integer number of pixels. To overcome such a resolution limitation, it is proposed here to use simultaneous measurements from the same illuminated spot by a few cam…

Superresolved digital in-line holographic microscopy for high-resolution lensless biological imaging.

Digital in-line holographic microscopy (DIHM) is a modern approach capable of achieving micron-range lateral and depth resolutions in three-dimensional imaging. DIHM in combination with numerical imaging reconstruction uses an extremely simplified setup while retaining the advantages provided by holography with enhanced capabilities derived from algorithmic digital processing. We introduce superresolved DIHM incoming from time and angular multiplexing of the sample spatial frequency information and yielding in the generation of a synthetic aperture (SA). The SA expands the cutoff frequency of the imaging system, allowing submicron resolutions in both transversal and axial directions. The pr…

Quantitative Phase Imaging in Microscopy Using a Spatial Light Modulator

In this chapter, we present a new method capable of recovery of the quantitative phase information of microscopic samples. Essentially, a spatial light modulator (SLM) and digital image processing are the basics to extract the sample’s phase distribution. The SLM produces a set of misfocused images of the input sample at the CCD plane by displaying a set of lenses with different power at the SLM device. The recorded images are then numerically processed to retrieve phase information. Computations are based on the wave propagation equation and lead to a complex amplitude image containing information of both amplitude and phase distributions of the input sample diffracted wave front. The prop…

Phase-shifting Gabor holography.

We present a modified Gabor-like setup able to recover the complex amplitude distribution of the object wavefront from a set of inline recorded holograms. The proposed configuration is characterized by the insertion of a condenser lens and a spatial light modulator (SLM) into the classical Gabor configuration. The phase shift is introduced by the SLM that modulates the central spot (dc term) in an intermediate plane, without an additional reference beam. Experimental results validate the proposed method and produce superior results to the Gabor method.

Space-variant simultaneous detection of several objects by the use of multiple anamorphic fractional-Fourier-transform filters.

A fractional correlator that is based on the anamorphic fractional Fourier transform is defined. This new, to our knowledge, correlator has been extended to work with multiple filters. The novelty introduced by the suggested system is the possibility of the simultaneous detection of several objects in different parts of the input scene (when anamorphic optics are dealt with), thereby permitting an independent degree of space invariance in two perpendicular directions. Computer experiments as well as experimental optical implementation are presented.

Superresolution digital holographic microscopy for three-dimensional samples.

An approach that allows superresolution imaging of three-dimensional (3-D) samples by numerical refocusing is presented in the field of digital holographic microscopy. Based on the object's spectrum shift produced by tilted illumination, we present a time multiplexing superresolved approach to overcome the Abbe's diffraction limit. The proposed approach uses a microscope in a Mach-Zehnder interferometric architecture with the particularity that the output plane does not coincide with the image plane. Thus, a set of off-axis non-image plane holograms are sequentially recorded for every tilted beam used in the illumination stage. After that and by using simple digital post-processing and nume…

Improved noncontact optical sensor for detection of glucose concentration and indication of dehydration level.

The ability to extract different bio-medical parameters from one single wristwatch device can be very applicable. The wearable device that is presented in this paper is based on two optical approaches. The first is the extraction and separation of remote vibration sources and the second is the rotation of linearly polarized light by certain materials exposed to magnetic fields. The technique is based on tracking of temporal changes of reflected secondary speckles produced in the wrist when being illuminated by a laser beam. Change in skin’s temporal vibration profile together with change in the magnetic medium that is generated by time varied glucose concentration caused these temporal chan…

Passive time-multiplexing super-resolved technique for axially moving targets

In this paper we present a super-resolving approach for detecting an axially moving target that is based upon a time-multiplexing concept and that overcomes the diffraction limit set by the optics of an imaging camera by a priori knowledge of the high-resolution background in front of which the target is moving. As the movement trajectory is axial, the approach can be applied to targets that are approaching or moving away from the camera. By recording a set of low-resolution images at different target axial positions, the super-resolving algorithm weights each image by demultiplexing them using the high-resolution background image and provides a super-resolved image of the target. Theoretic…

Toward fast malaria detection by secondary speckle sensing microscopy

Diagnosis of malaria must be rapid, accurate, simple to use, portable and low cost, as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite recent efforts, the gold standard remains the light microscopy of a stained blood film. This method can detect low parasitemia and identify different species of Plasmodium. However, it is time consuming, it requires well trained microscopist and good instrumentation to minimize misinterpretation, thus the costs are considerable. Moreover, the equipment cannot be easily transported and installed. In this paper we propose a new technique named "secondary speckle sensing microscopy" ((SM)-M-3) based upon extraction of correlation based statistics of s…

Three-dimensional mapping and range measurement by means of projected speckle patterns.

We present a novel approach for three-dimensional (3D) measurements that includes the projection of coherent light through ground glass. Such a projection generates random speckle patterns on the object or on the camera, depending if the configuration is transmissive or reflective. In both cases the spatially random patterns are seen by the sensor. Different spatially random patterns are generated at different planes. The patterns are highly random and not correlated. This low correlation between different patterns is used for both 3D mapping of objects and range finding.

Noncontact speckle-based optical sensor for detection of glucose concentration using magneto-optic effect

We experimentally verify a speckle-based technique for noncontact measurement of glucose concentration in the bloodstream. The final device is intended to be a single wristwatch-style device containing a laser, a camera, and an alternating current (ac) electromagnet generated by a solenoid. The experiments presented are performed in vitro as proof of the concept. When a glucose substance is inserted into a solenoid generating an ac magnetic field, it exhibits Faraday rotation, which affects the temporal changes of the secondary speckle pattern distributions. The temporal frequency resulting from the ac magnetic field was found to have a lock-in amplification role, which increased the observ…

Two-dimensional temporal coherence coding for super resolved imaging

In this paper, we present an approach that can be used for transmission of 2D spatial information through space-limited systems capable of transmitting even only a single spatial pixel. The input 2D object is illuminated with temporally incoherent illumination. The axial coherence length is very short and it equals only a few microns. Attached to the input object spatial random phase mask generates different axial shift for every pixel of the input. The temporal delays of the encoding (axial shifts) of every pixel are longer than the coherence length of the illuminating source. Therefore no temporal correlation exists between the various pixels of the input. A lens combines all spatial pixe…

Remote estimation of blood pulse pressure via temporal tracking of reflected secondary speckles pattern

We present a novel technique for remote noncontact blood pulse pressure measurement. It is based on tracking both temporal and amplitude changes of reflected secondary speckle produced in human skin when illuminated by a laser beam. The implemented technique extracts the difference between the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure. Experimental results are presented showing good agreement when compared with conventional measurement methods.

Superresolved and field-of-view extended digital holography with particle encoding

We present a new configuration for superresolution (SR) as well as for field-of-view (FOV) extension in a digital holography concept based on random movement of sparse metallic particles. In the SR configuration, the particles are in proximity to the recorded object, while in the FOV configuration, the particles are in proximity to the hologram plane. The particles' movement encodes the high spatial features in the plane of their movement. This high-resolution information can later be decoded by proper numerical postprocessing that either remedies the resolution limitations in the object plane (or the limited NA of the lens) or extends the FOV in the object plane.

Superresolved phase-shifting Gabor holography by CCD shift

Holography in the Gabor regime is restricted to weak diffraction assumptions. Otherwise, diffraction prevents an accurate recovery of the object's complex wavefront. We have recently proposed a modified Gabor-like setup to extend Gabor's concept to any sample provided that it be non-diffusive. However, the resolution of the final image becomes limited as a consequence of the additional elements considered in the proposed setup. In this paper we present an experimental approach to overcome such a limitation in which the former configuration is used while the CCD camera is shifted to different off-axis positions in order to generate a synthetic aperture. Thus, once the whole image set is reco…

Super resolving optical system based on spectral dilation

Time multiplexing is a common approach for achieving super resolution. The basic method involves moving two grating one is in front of the object and the other one in front of the camera. In this paper, we present a novel approach for obtaining super resolution not by shifting a grating, but by using its various dilations for obtaining the required encoding and decoding of information.

Holography and Superresolution

The capability of improving the spatial resolution of imaging systems is usually known as superresolution. Some methods provide improve resolution by playing with the imaging part of the system and without modifying the optical parameters of the imaging lenses. And others act over the geometry, shape and size of sampling pixels in the detection array. The former strategy allows optical superresolution while the latter provide geometrical superresolution. In this contribution, we will review the state of the art in optical superresolution approaches understood as the possibility to overcome the limited resolving power of imaging systems beyond the bounds imposed by Abbe's diffraction theory.…

Speckle random coding for 2D super resolving fluorescent microscopic imaging.

In this manuscript we present a novel super resolving approach based upon projection of a random speckle pattern onto samples observed through a microscope. The projection of the speckle pattern is created by coherent illumination of the inspected pattern through a diffuser. Due to local interference of the coherent wave front with itself, a random speckle pattern is superimposed on the sample. This speckle pattern can be scanned over the object. A super-resolved image can be extracted from a temporal sequence of images by appropriate digital processing of the image stream. The resulting resolution is significantly higher than the diffraction limitation of the microscope objective. The new …

Spatially-multiplexed interferometric microscopy (SMIM): converting a standard microscope into a holographic one

We report on an extremely simple, low cost and highly stable way to convert a standard microscope into a holographic one. The proposed architecture is based on a common-path interferometric layout where the input plane is spatially-multiplexed to allow reference beam transmission in a common light-path with the imaging branch. As consequence, the field of view provided by the layout is reduced. The use of coherent illumination (instead of the broadband one included in the microscope) and a properly placed one-dimensional diffraction grating (needed for the holographic recording) complete the experimental layout. The proposed update is experimentally validated in a regular Olympus BX-60 upri…

Axial superresolution by synthetic aperture generation

The use of tilted illumination onto the input object in combination with time multiplexing is a useful technique to overcome the Abbe diffraction limit in imaging systems. It is based on the generation of an expanded synthetic aperture that improves the cutoff frequency (and thus the resolution limit) of the imaging system. In this paper we present an experimental validation of the fact that the generation of a synthetic aperture improves not only the lateral resolution but also the axial one. Thus, it is possible to achieve higher optical sectioning of three-dimensional (3D) objects than that defined by the theoretical resolution limit imposed by diffraction. Experimental results are provi…

Wavelength-multiplexing system for single-mode image transmission

The expanding use of optical communication by means of optical fibers and the situation of drastically increasing amounts of data to be transmitted urge the exploration of novel systems permitting the transmission of large amounts of spatial information by fiber with smaller spatial resolution. An optical encoding and decoding system is suggested for transmitting one- or two-dimensional images by means of a single-mode fiber. The superresolving system is based on wavelength multiplexing of the input spatial information, which is achieved with diffractive optical elements. Preliminary experimental results demonstrate the capabilities of the suggested method for the one- and two-dimensional c…

Fractional wavelet transform

The wavelet transform, which has had a growing importance in signal and image processing, has been generalized by association with both the wavelet transform and the fractional Fourier transform. Possible implementations of the new transformation are in image compression, image transmission, transient signal processing, etc. Computer simulations demonstrate the abilities of the novel transform. Optical implementation of this transform is briefly discussed.

Validation of a novel contact-free heart and respiratory rate monitor

There is a growing need for remote monitoring of patients due to a lack of resources and infection control. Current systems use sensors that require constant physical contact with the user, which may result in discomfort or lack of adherence. In the present study, we evaluated the accuracy of a new contact-free system to monitor heart and respiratory rate. Study participants were measured simultaneously using two devices: a contact-free optical system that measures nano-vibrations and movements (investigational device, “Gili Pro BioSensor”) and a standard reference bed-side monitor, inclusive of an electrocardiogram and capnograph modules (Mindray®). Co-primary endpoints included HR and RR …

Resolution improvement by single-exposure superresolved interferometric microscopy with a monochrome sensor

Single-exposure superresolved interferometric microscopy (SESRIM) by RGB multiplexing has recently been proposed as a way to achieve one-dimensional superresolved imaging in digital holographic microscopy by a single-color CCD snapshot [Opt. Lett. 36, 885 (2011)]. Here we provide the mathematical basis for the operating principle of SESRIM, while we also present a different experimental configuration where the color CCD camera is replaced by a monochrome (B&W) CCD camera. To maintain the single-exposure working principle, the object field of view (FOV) is restricted and the holographic recording is based on image-plane wavelength-dispersion spatial multiplexing to separately record the thre…

Depth sensing using coherence mapping

A method for depth sensing based on sensing the visibility associated with the coherence function of a laser source is presented. The setup is based on an electronic speckle pattern interferometric (ESPI) setup, where the object depth is encoded into the amplitude of the interference pattern without the need for depth scanning. After performing phase-shifting method, the object three-dimensional (3-D) shape is reconstructed by means as a range image from the visibility of the image set of interferograms and where each gray level represents a given object depth. Experimental results validate the proposed approach for reflective diffuse objects at different measurement distances.

Super-resolved or field of view enlarged imaging based upon spatial depolarization of light

Abstract In this paper we present a new approach allowing the surpassing of the diffraction based limitation for the achievable resolution provided by imaging systems. It is based on an encoding–decoding process of various spatial pixels or regions in the field of view of the imaged object by orthogonal and differently time varying polarization states. The reconstruction of the original spatial information is obtained by applying a decoding process in a way similar to the encoding one. Although all the spatial information is summed and mixed together by the system, the decoding provides super-resolved imaging since in every spatial position the undesired spatial information having time vary…

Optical illustration of a varied fractional Fourier-transform order and the Radon-Wigner display.

Based on an all-optical system, a display of a fractional Fourier transform with many fractional orders is proposed. Because digital image-processing terminology is used, this display is known as the Radon–Wigner transform. It enables new aspects for signal analysis that are related to time- and spatial-frequency analyses. The given approach for producing this display starts with a one-dimensional input signal although the output signal contains two dimensions. The optical setup for obtaining the fractional Fourier transform was adapted to include only fixed free-space propagation distances and variable lenses. With a set of two multifacet composite holograms, the Radon–Wigner display has b…

Synthetic aperture superresolution with multiple off-axis holograms

An optical setup to achieve superresolution in microscopy using holographic recording is presented. The technique is based on off-axis illumination of the object and a simple optical image processing stage after the imaging system for the interferometric recording process. The superresolution effect can be obtained either in one step by combining a spatial multiplexing process and an incoherent addition of different holograms or it can be implemented sequentially. Each hologram holds the information of each different frequency bandpass of the object spectrum. We have optically implemented the approach for a low-numerical-aperture commercial microscope objective. The system is simple and rob…

Optical technique for classification, recognition and identification of obscured objects

Abstract The capability to classify, recognize and to identify objects from spatially low resolution images has high significance in security related applications especially in a case that recognition of camouflaged object is required. In this paper we present a novel approach in which the scenery containing obscured objects which we wish to classify, recognize or identify is illuminated by spatially coherent beam (e.g. laser) and therefore secondary speckles pattern is reflected from the objects. By special image processing algorithm developed for this research and which is basically based upon temporal tracking of the random speckle pattern one may extract the temporal signature of the ob…

Super-resolved Imaging based upon spatial depolarization of light

In this paper we present a new approach allowing the surpassing of the diffraction based limitation for the achievable resolution provided by imaging systems. It is based on an encoding-decoding process of various spatial pixels or regions in the field of view of the imaged object by orthogonal and differently time varying polarization states. The reconstruction of the original spatial information is obtained by applying a decoding process in a way similar to the encoding one. Although all the spatial information is summed and mixed together by the system, the decoding provides super resolved imaging since in every spatial position the undesired spatial information having time varying polar…

Transversal superresolution with noncontact axial movement of periodic structures

We present an innovative approach that allows superresolved images to be obtained by axial moving of two gratings and time integrating in the detector plane. The two gratings do not have to be in contact with either the object or the detector, and both are positioned between the object and the image planes. One of the main applications for the proposed approach in contrast to previously discussed time multiplexing superresolving methods is that it may fit well to superresolved imaging of remote objects, since both gratings are not in contact with either the object or the detector planes.

Invariant pattern recognition based on 1-D Wavelet functions and the polynomial decomposition

Abstract A new filter, consisting of 1-D Wavelet functions is suggested for achieving optical invariant pattern recognition. The formed filter is actually a real function, hence, it is theoretically possible to be implemented under both spatially coherent and spatially incoherent illuminations. The filter is based on the polynomial expansion, and is constructed out of a scaled bank of filters multiplied by 1-D Wavelet weight functions. The obtained output is shown to be invariant to 2-D scaling even when different scaling factors are applied on the different axes. The computer simulations and the experimental results demonstrate the potential hidden in this technique.

One-dimensional wavelength multiplexed microscope without objective lens

A new approach aimed to achieve microscopic imaging without objective lenses and based on wavelength multiplexing of the spatial object information is presented. The proposed method is used to develop, construct and experimentally validate a new type of optical microscope having no objective lens and no numerical reconstruction algorithms to allow imaging process. In order to extract the collected spatial information we use a spectrometer as part of our microscope system. Preliminary results are presented while considering two different types of one-dimensional (1-D) objects.

In Depth Flow Inspection based on Spatial Analysis of Dynamic Laser Speckle

A novel optical approach based on statistical analysis of spatial laser speckle pattern for tissue in-depth flow characteristics is presented. Properties such as flow orientation and speed can be estimated. In-vitro experimental results are demonstrated.

Pattern projection for subpixel resolved imaging in microscopy.

In this paper, we present a new approach providing super resolved images exceeding the geometrical limitation given by the detector pixel size of the imaging camera. The concept involves the projection of periodic patterns on top of the sample, which are then investigated under a microscope. Combining spatial scanning together with proper digital post-processing algorithm yields the improved geometrical resolution enhancement. This new method is especially interesting for microscopic imaging when the resolution of the detector is lower than the resolution due to diffraction.

New method for remote and repeatable monitoring of intraocular pressure variations

We present initial steps toward a new measurement device enabling high-precision, noncontact remote and repeatable monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP)-based on an innovative measurement principle. Using only a camera and a laser source, the device measures IOP by tracking the secondary speckle pattern trajectories produced by the reflection of an illuminating laser beam from the iris or the sclera. The device was tested on rabbit eyes using two different methods to modify IOP: via an infusion bag and via mechanical pressure. In both cases, the eyes were stimulated with increasing and decreasing ramps of the IOP. As IOP variations changed the speckle distributions reflected back from th…

New key based on tilted lenses for optical encryption

A novel concept based on tilted spherical lenses for optical encryption using Lohmann’s type I systems is presented. The tilt angle of the spherical lenses is used as an encrypted key and the decryption performance is studied both qualitatively (visual image degradation) and quantitatively (mean squared error analysis) by numerical simulations. The paper presents a general mathematical framework in virtue of the dioptric power matrix formalism and oblique central refraction used in the optometry field. Computer simulations show that image information cannot be retrieved after a few degrees of tilt on both spherical lenses in the encryption system. In addition, a preliminary experiment is pr…

Superresolved imaging of remote moving targets.

We present a superresolving approach that allows one to exceed the diffraction limit and recover highly resolved contours of moving targets from a sequence of low-resolution images. The presented approach is suitable for remote sensing applications. The resolution decoding algorithm that is used to recover the high-resolution features of the target can be run partially via optical means and that way can be used to reduce the required computational complexity.

Exceeding the resolving imaging power using environmental conditions

We present two approaches that use the environmental conditions in order to exceed the classical Abbe's limit of resolution of an aperture-limited imaging system. At first we use water drops in order to improve the resolving capabilities of an imaging system using a time-multiplexing approach. The limit for the resolution improvement capabilities is equal to the size of the rain drops. The rain drops falling close to the imaged object act as a sparse and random high-resolution mask attached to it. By applying proper image processing, the center of each falling drop is located, and the parameters of the encoding grating are extracted from the captured set of images. The decoding is done digi…

All-optical super resolved and extended depth of focus imaging with random pinhole array aperture

In this paper, we present a novel approach which allows combining super resolved imaging with extended depth of focus while the result is obtained by all-optical means and no digital processing is required. The presented approach for the super resolved imaging includes attaching a random pinhole array plate to the aperture plane of the imaging system. The energetic efficiency of the system is high and it is much larger than an imaging through a single pinhole which also has extended depth of focus. The super resolving result is obtained by mechanic scanning of the aperture plane with the random plate.

Single-output color pattern recognition using a fractional correlator

A novel method for performing color image pattern recogni- tion using a fractional correlator (FC) is proposed. The input plane is illuminated with three different coherent sources of wavelengths corre- sponding to RGB (red, green, and blue) colors. The output plane pro- vides a single output peak, which is a result of an incoherent addition between the three correlations obtained per each color. By using the fractional correlator, which is a partially space variant correlator, we achieve space-variance-controlled color pattern recognition. The use of the three-color illumination can drastically increase the discrimination ability of the suggested correlator. © 1997 Society of Photo-Optical…

Robotic Platform for Automated Search and Rescue Missions of Humans

We present a novel type of model incorporating a special remote life signals sensing optical system on top of a controllable robotic platform. The remote sensing system consists of a laser and a camera. By properly adapting our optics and by applying a proper image processing algorithm we can sense within the field of view, illuminated by the laser and imaged by the camera, the heartbeats and the blood pulse pressure of subjects (even several simultaneously). The task is to use the developed robotic system for search and rescue mission such as saving survivals from a fire.

Super resolved optical system for objects with finite sizes using circular gratings

We present a real time all optical super resolution method for exceeding the diffraction limit of an imaging system which has a circular aperture. The resolution improvement is obtained using two fixed circular gratings which are placed in predetermined positions. The circular gratings generate synthetic circular duplications of the aperture, thus they are the proper choice for a circular aperture optical system. The method is applicable for both spatially coherent and incoherent illuminations, as well as for white light illumination. The resolution improvement is achieved by limiting the object field of view. The proposed method is presented analytically, demonstrated via numerical simulat…

Joint transform correlator with spatial code division multiplexing.

A joint transform correlator may suffer from overlapping of the zero diffraction order of the output, which does not contain relevant information, and the correlation peaks that appear in the first diffraction orders if objects are not sufficiently separated. Such overlapping significantly reduces the signal-to-noise ratio of the identification process. We propose a novel approach based on code division multiplexing technique in which the contrast of the identification peaks is significantly enhanced. The approach does not include placing the two objects side by side but rather includes code multiplexing them. Moreover, the code division multiplexing technique allows the space-bandwidth pro…

Single-step superresolution by interferometric imaging

The use of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays for implementation of incoherent source superresolution is presented. The method uses an interferometer setup to obtain superresolution in a single step. The novelty of the method relies on the use of a VCSEL array as the light source, which provides a set of coherent sources which are mutually incoherent. The technique accomplishes the transmission of several spatial frequency bands of the object's spectrum in parallel by use of spatial multiplexing that occurs because of the tilted illumination of the source array. The recording process is done by interference of each frequency band with a complementary set of reference plan…

Remote optical sensor of blood coagulation, oximetry and dehydration

An optical approach for remote extraction of vibrations has recently been proposed. We demonstrate the method's ability to continuously monitor three biomedical indicators: blood oximetry, blood coagulation and dehydration of the body.

Filter multiplexing by use of spatial Code Division Multiple Access approach.

The increasing popularity of optical communication has also brought a demand for a broader bandwidth. The trend, naturally, was to implement methods from traditional electronic communication. One of the most effective traditional methods is Code Division Multiple Access. In this research, we suggest the use of this approach for spatial coding applied to images. The approach is to multiplex several filters into one plane while keeping their mutual orthogonality. It is shown that if the filters are limited by their bandwidth, the output of all the filters can be sampled in the original image resolution and fully recovered through an all-optical setup. The theoretical analysis of such a setup …

Full field of view super-resolution imaging based on two static gratings and white light illumination.

The usage of two static gratings for obtaining super-resolved imaging dates back to the work by Bachl and Lukosz in 1967. However, in their approach a severe reduction in the field of view was the necessary condition for improving the resolution. We present an approach based on two static gratings without sacrificing the field of view. The key idea for not paying with the field of view is to use white light illumination to average the ghost images obtained outside the region of interest since the positions of those images are wavelength dependent. Moreover, large magnification is achieved by using a commercial microscope objective instead of a test system with a unity magnification as prese…

Synthetic Aperture Lensless Digital Holographic Microscopy (SALDHM) for Superresolved Biological Imaging

Lensless digital holographic microscopy (LDHM) relates with the capability to achieve microscopic imaging working without lenses in the regime of holography. LDHM uses an extremely simplified setup and provides micron-range lateral and depth resolutions in three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Typically, LDHM uses a pinhole to provide spherical divergent illumination over the sample. Then, two different basic schemes are usually adopted for providing holographic recording. The first one assumes the interference between two in-line waves since diffraction by the sample can be considered as a perturbation of the reference wave. The second scheme uses an external reference beam in an off-line config…

Speckle-based configuration for simultaneous in vitro inspection of mechanical contractions of cardiac myocyte cells.

An optical lensless configuration for a remote noncontact measuring of mechanical contractions of a vast number of cardiac myocytes is proposed. All the myocytes were taken from rats, and the measurements were done in an in vitro mode. The optical method is based on temporal analysis of secondary reflected speckle patterns generated in lensless microscope configuration. The processing involves analyzing the movement and the change in the statistics of the secondary speckle patterns that are created on top of the cell culture when it is illuminated by a spot of laser beam. The main advantage of the proposed system is the ability to measure many cells simultaneously (∼1000 cells) and to extra…

Full field of view super-resolution imaging via two static masks

The usage of two static gratings for obtaining super resolved imaging dates back to the work by Bachl and Lukosz in 1967. However, in that approach, a severe reduction in the field of view was the necessary condition for improving the resolution. In this paper we present two approaches that are also based upon two static gratings but without the need to sacrifice in the field of view. The key idea for not paying with the field of view is performed in two ways: First, by using white light illumination that averages the ghost images obtained outside the region of interest since the positions of those images are wavelength dependent. Second, by using two random functions for the encoding and t…

Single-exposure super-resolved interferometric microscopy by RGB multiplexing in lensless configuration

Abstract Single-Exposure Super-Resolved Interferometric Microscopy (SESRIM) reports on a way to achieve one-dimensional (1-D) superresolved imaging in digital holographic microscopy (DHM) by a single illumination shot and digital recording. SESRIM provides color-coded angular multiplexing of the accessible sample׳s range of spatial frequencies and it allows their recording in a single CCD (color or monochrome) snapshot by adding 3 RGB coherent reference beams at the output plane. In this manuscript, we extend the applicability of SESRIM to the field of digital in-line holographic microscopy (DIHM), that is, working without lenses. As consequence of the in-line configuration, an additional r…

Resolution and field of view improvement in digital holography using a VCSEL source array

We describe a new implementation capable to produce superresolution (SR) and object field of view (FOV) improvement in digital lensless Fourier holography. The method provides synthetic aperture (SA) generation using angular multiplexing incoming from a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) source array. SR imaging in a single exposure is obtained after proper digital processing of a multiplexed hologram coming from the incoherent addition of multiple sub-holograms, each one corresponding with a different source of the VCSEL array. FOV improvement in addition with SR imaging is achieved by recording a set of individual holograms obtained by sequential activation of the VCSEL source…

An Optical Remote Sensor for Fingerprint Identification using Speckle Pattern

The implementation of a simple, inexpensive optical device for remote fingerprint identification is presented. The sensor is based on temporal tracking of back-reflected secondary speckle patterns generated while illuminating a finger with a laser.

Improved superresolution in coherent optical systems.

Objects that temporally vary slowly can be superresolved by the use of two synchronized moving masks such as pinholes or gratings. This approach to superresolution allows one to exceed Abbe’s limit of resolution. Moreover, under coherent illumination, superresolution requires a certain approximation based on the time averaging of intensity rather than of field distribution. When extensive digital postprocessing can be incorporated into the optical system, a detector array and some postprocessing algorithms can replace the grating that is responsible for information decoding. In this way, no approximation is needed and the synchronization that is necessary when two gratings are used is simpl…

Novel image processing approach to detect malaria

In this paper we present a novel image processing algorithm providing good preliminary capabilities for in vitro detection of malaria. The proposed concept is based upon analysis of the temporal variation of each pixel. Changes in dark pixels mean that inter cellular activity happened, indicating the presence of the malaria parasite inside the cell. Preliminary experimental results involving analysis of red blood cells being either healthy or infected with malaria parasites, validated the potential benefit of the proposed numerical approach. S.F. acknowledges the grant from Area Science Park of Trieste. J.G. acknowledges the support he got from project FIS2013-47548-P. D.M. and B.F. acknowl…

Geometrical super resolved lensless imaging

In the field of super resolution researchers are trying to overcome both the diffraction as well as the geometrical bounds of an imaging system. In this paper we present a recently developed approach that aims to overcome the geometrical bounds while using a unified spatial light modulator (SLM) based lensless configuration.

Flexible optical implementation of fractional Fourier transform processors. Applications to correlation and filtering

Abstract Recently, in the field of fractional Fourier transforms (FRT) an operation coined “fractional correlation” has been proposed and investigated experimentally. In this paper we propose a new setup for obtaining the fractional correlation, which presents several advantages from the experimental point of view. The fractional filter plane can be adjusted accurately with the help of converging beam illumination and using an adjusting device consisting of a combination of Fresnel zone plates. Moreover the scaling factor between the input pattern and the filter can be adjusted at will. This degree of freedom is of special interest when using SLMs. In addition we present a configuration, ba…

Superresolving optical system with time multiplexing and computer decoding

Objects that have slow temporal variations may be superresolved with two moving masks such as pinhole or grating. The first mask is responsible for encoding the input image, and the second one performs the decoding operation. This approach is efficient for exceeding the resolving capability beyond Abbe’s limit of resolution. However, the proposed setup requires two physical gratings that should move in a synchronized manner. We propose what is believed to be a novel configuration in which the second grating responsible for the information decoding is replaced with a detector array and some postprocessing digital procedures. In this way the synchronization problem that exists when two gratin…

Projection of speckle patterns for 3D sensing

In this communication we present the use of projected speckle patterns coming from a phase random mask for sensing depths and thicknesses. The sensing is based on the change of the speckle pattern with propagation and the lack of correlation between speckle patterns recorded at different depths or lateral locations. The principle is used for mapping thickness of transparent media, for depth ranging and for 3D mapping of diffuse objects.

Spatial information transmission using axial temporal coherence coding

We present an approach that can be used for transmission of information through space-limited systems or for superresolution. The spatial information is coded with different axial temporal coherence by interfering every spatial region in the input with the same region, but with a certain known delay in the longitudinal axis. Every spatial region has different delay. After mixing all of the spatial information, it is transmitted through the space-limited system. At the detection the information is passed through a similar interference setup containing certain axial delay. By temporally scanning along the longitudinal axis, each time a different spatial region that was coded with the correspo…

Superresolved common-path phase-shifting digital inline holographic microscopy using a spatial light modulator.

Common-path phase-shifting lensless holographic microscopy has been recently proposed as a novel approach capable of high numerical aperture imaging in a lensless digital inline holographic microscopy layout [Opt. Lett.35, 3919 (2010)]. Here we present proof-of-concept validation for improving the resolution limit imposed by diffraction in such a setup. This is accomplished by shifting the phase lens displayed at the spatial light modulator, which moves the illumination point source to different off-axis positions. For each off-axis position, a set of inline phase-shifted holograms are recorded by the digital sensor and stored at the computer’s memory for later digital postprocessing. As a …

Suppression of phase ambiguity in digital holography by using partial coherence or specimen rotation

In this paper we present two approaches for extracting the surface profile as well as obtaining 3D imaging of near field objects by usage of partial coherence and digital holography. In the first approach a light source with given temporal partial coherence is used to illuminate a near field object. The reflected light is interfered with the reference source. By computing the local contrast of the generated fringes one may estimate the 3D topography and the profile of the object. This approach extracts the 3D information from a single image, and its accuracy does not depend on triangulation angle like in fringe projection methods. The second approach is tomography based. There we illuminate…