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 gratings are used is simplified. Experimental results are provided for illustrating the utility of the new approach.     

Time multiplexing superresolution based on interference grating projection

In a previous work done by the authors, it was shown that the superresolution concept based on two moving gratings could be effected by a physical grating attached to the object and a virtual grating. This concept was shown to be very efficient and exhibited features that are helpful in removing some artifacts caused when coherent illumination is used. Furthermore, it simplifies the optical and mechanical modules of the super-resolving system by removing the need for mechanical movement of one grating. However, the system still required the need for moving the first (encoding) grating attached to the input. In this study the encoding grating is replaced by use of a projected grating. This approach simplifies the need for attaching the grating to the input object and thus new applications, such as remote sensing can be considered. The theoretical concept is demonstrated and experimental results are shown.     

Two-dimensional superresolution optical system for temporally restricted objects

Objects that vary slowly over time may be superresolved by use of moving gratings. A system of this kind was proposed three decades ago. However, such a system creates some distortion of the spectral response of the resolved objects, and it achieves superresolution in only one dimension. We propose an enhanced method based on Dammann gratings instead of regular gratings for achieving two-dimensional superresolution. The modified approach achieves results with undistorted output and relatively high light efficiency, and it is effective for both coherent and incoherent illumination. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the new approach.     

Dealiased spectral images from aliased Fizeau Fourier transform spectroscopy measurements

Fizeau Fourier transform imaging spectroscopy (FTIS) is a technique for collecting both spatial and spectral information about an object with a Fizeau imaging interferometer and postprocessing. The technique possesses unconventional imaging properties due to the fact that the system transfer functions, including the imaging and spectral postprocessing operations, are given by cross correlations between subapertures of the optical system, in comparison with the conventional optical transfer function, which is given by the autocorrelation of the entire aperture of the system. The unconventional imaging properties of Fizeau FTIS can be exploited to form spatially dealiased spectral images from undersampled intensity measurements (obtain superresolution relative to the detector pixel spacing). We demonstrate this dealiasing technique through computer simulations and discuss the associated design and operational trade-offs.     

Hybrid Wavelength-Time-Domain Interrogation System for Multiplexed Fiber Bragg Sensors Using a Strain-Tuned Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser

A system for the interrogation of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors using a strain-tuned EDF laser with linear cavity is described. An optical switch is spliced to one end of the laser cavity and connects one of two high-strength draw-tower fiber Bragg gratings (DTGs). The gratings are simultaneously tuned by a stretching device and act as the end reflector of the laser cavity. By applying a ramp signal to the actuator synchronized to the optical switch, the laser signal sweeps over two different wavelength intervals, depending on the connected DTG. This approach represents a hybrid wavelength-time-domain interrogation for multiplexed sensors and doubles the number of sensors that may be addressed when compared with single DTG scanning. In addition, the use of the DTG allows a fivefold increase in the strain tuned wavelength interval over standard fiber Bragg gratings. An example application is demonstrated where temperature inside an electrical motor is measured during operation.     

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 robust because the holographic interferometric recording setup is done after the imaging lens.     

Optical superresolution of focused partially spatially coherent laser beams

We report design theories of a diffractive superresolution element (DSE) to implement optical superresolution of focused partially spatially coherent laser beams. The design problem of the DSE can be transformed into a problem of linear programming to obtain a globally optimal solution. By using the design theories, some fundamental limits of optical superresolution of focused partially spatially coherent laser beams are proposed, and several design examples are provided. As expected, both the fundamental limits and the design examples show that worse spatial coherence will cause worse superresolution performance. The design theories provide a design approach with partially coherent beams and may be useful for other design problems under partially coherent illumination.     

Superresolution optical system with two fixed generalized Damman gratings

We present a system that exceeds the Rayleigh limit of resolution, by placing two fixed gratings in predetermined positions. Lukosz suggested a setup that managed to exceed the Rayleigh limit of resolution [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56, 1463 (1966); 57, 932 (1967)]. However, Lukosz's technique had some drawbacks that the new suggested system attempts to resolve. Similar to Lukosz's technique, the proposed system works without any moving elements and with no time- or wavelength-restricting conditions. It is suitable for coherent or incoherent two-dimensional imaging. However, the new system contains some important modifications. Although the system uses only two gratings, it is capable of producing superresolution without using an additional imaging lens at the output plane. The generalized Damman gratings allow for obtaining undistorted spectral restoration of information. To achieve superresolution, the input object is duplicated. The trade-off for higher resolution is a smaller field of view. Experimental results validate the theoretical analysis.     

Pound-Drever-Hall error signals for the length control of three-port grating coupled cavities

Gratings enable light coupling into an optical cavity without transmission through any substrate. This concept reduces light absorption and substrate heating and was suggested for light coupling into the arm cavities of future gravitational wave detectors. One particularly interesting approach is based on all-reflective gratings with low diffraction efficiencies and three diffraction orders (three ports). However, it was discovered that, generally, three-port grating coupled cavities show an asymmetric resonance profile that results in asymmetric and low quality Pound-Drever-Hall error signals for cavity length control. We experimentally demonstrate that this problem is solved by the detection of light at both reflection ports of the cavity and the postprocessing of the two demodulated electronic signals.     

SPICE-Based Optoelectronic System Simulation

spiceis a widely used simulation tool for electrical circuits and systems. When optoelectronic elements, such as lasers, detectors, modulators, etc., and optical elements, such as lenses, gratings, beam splitters, etc., are incorporated into spice, optoelectronic system simulation can be combined with that of electronic systems, facilitating hybrid system design and analysis. We discuss an optoelectronic spice implementation that includes time-, power-, and wavelength-domain behaviors. Examples of optical component simulation and optical interconnect system simulation by use of spice are included and compared with the results from a conventional ray-tracing optical analysis tool.     

Integrated optical pickup system for axial dual focus

We propose an optical pickup that acquires data from both layers of a dual-layer digital versatile disk simultaneously. An adaptive optical element that uses liquid crystals creates two axial foci separated by a spacing of 55 mum, which is the distance between the two layers. The spacing between the foci can be varied by the adaptive element. The separation of the reflected light into TE and TM polarized light, corresponding to each of the layers, is made by dielectric gratings that are characterized by high aspect ratios. Electron-beam lithography and reactive ion etching techniques were used to produce the submicrometer structures. All fabricated elements were assembled in a pickup system, whose properties were measured.     

From the channel model of an InSb-based superresolution optical disc system to impulse response and resolution limits

The signal model of a superresolution optical channel can be an efficient tool for developing components of an associated high-density optical disc system. While the behavior of the laser diode, aperture, lens, and detector are properly described, a general mathematical model of the superresolution disc itself has not yet been available until recently. Different approaches have been made to describe the properties of a mask layer, mainly based on temperature- or power-dependent nonlinear effects. A complete signal-based or phenomenological optical channel model--from non-return-to-zero inverted input to disc readout signal--has recently been developed including the reflectivity of a superresolution disc with InSb used for the mask layer. In this contribution, the model is now extended and applied to a moving disc including a land-and-pit structure, and results are compared with data read from real superresolution discs. Both impulse response and resolution limits are derived and discussed. Thus the model provides a bridge from physical to readout signal properties, which count after all. The presented approach allows judging of the suitability of a mask layer material for storage density enhancement already based on static experiments, i.e., even before developing an associated disc drive.     

Optical image hiding with silhouette removal based on the optical interference principle

The earlier proposed interference-based encryption method with two phase-only masks (POMs), which actually is a special case of our method, is quite simple and does not need iterative encoding. However, it has been found recently that the encryption method has security problems and cannot be directly applied to image encryption due to the inherent silhouette problem. Several methods based on chaotic encryption algorithms have been proposed to remove the problem by postprocessing of the POMs, which increased the computation time or led to digital inverse computation in decryption. Here we propose a new method for image encryption based on optical interference and analytical algorithm that can be directly used for image encryption. The information of the target image is hidden into three POMs, and the silhouette problem that exists in the method with two POMs can be resolved during the generation procedure of POMs based on the interference principle. Simulation results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed approach.     

Three-dimensional superresolution by three-zone complex pupil filters

Complex pupil filters are introduced to improve the three-dimensional resolving power of an optical imaging system. Through the design of the essential parameters of such filters, the transmittance and radius of the first zone, three-dimensional superresolution is realized. The Strehl ratio and the transverse and axial gains of such filters are analyzed in detail. A series of simulation examples of such filters are also presented that prove that three-dimensional superresolution can be realized. The advantage of such filters is that it is easy to realize three-dimensional superresolution, and the disadvantage is that the sidelobes of the axial intensity distribution are too high. But this can be overcome by the application of a confocal system.     

Focal shift and extended focal depth with tunable pupil filter

Extended focal depth and focal shift are very important in microscopy, imaging and optical storage systems, and have attracted much attention in recent years. In order to obtain the extended focal depth and focal shift, a new kind of tunable pupil filter is proposed in this article. It consists of one half-wave plate between two quarter-wave plates, and the half-wave plate is made up of two zones that can rotate with respect to each other. By analyzing the intensity distribution in the focal region of the optical system with such a device, it reveals that focal shift can be realized by rotating any zone of the half-wave plate. When the phase difference of the two zones is π, the extended focal depth and transverse superresolution can be obtained at the same time. Therefore, it may be feasible to use such a tunable pupil filter in optical systems that need focal shift and extended focal depth.     

Optical generation of focus wave modes

Localized wave solutions of free-space wave equation can be used in numerous applications where the localized transmission of electromagnetic energy is of major importance. However, an optical implementation of localized wave fields has not been accomplished yet, except for an ultrashort version of the Bessel beams or the so called Bessel-X pulses. We propose an approach to constructing realizable optical schemes for generation of localized wave fields. We show that wavelength dispersion of the cone angle of axicons and circular diffraction gratings can be used to generate good approximation to focus wave modes.     

Dynamic optical coupled system employing even-numbered dammann gratings

Dammann gratings are well known for their ability to generate arrays of uniform-intensity beams from an incoming monochromatic beam. We apply the even-numbered Dammann grating to achieve dynamic optical coupled technology. A 1 x N dynamic optical coupled system is developed by employing two complementary even-numbered Dammann gratings. With this system we can achieve a beam splitter and combiner as a switch between them according to the relative shift between the gratings. Also, this system is a preferable approach in integral packaging. More importantly, this device has the potential to be applied to the splitting of a large array, e.g., 8 x 16 array and 64 x 64 array, which is difficult to be realized with conventional splitting methods. We experimentally demonstrated a 1 x 8 coupler at the wavelength of 1550 nm. Furthermore we analyze the effects of the alignment errors between gratings and the wavelength-dependent error on efficiency and uniformity. The experimental results and the influence of alignment error and wavelength-dependent error are analyzed in detail.     

Design of illumination and projection optics for projectors with single digital micromirror devices

We present a new optical system design for a projector with a single digital micromirror device (Texas Instruments Digital Micromirror Device) that improves on previous designs in terms of optical efficiency, uniformity, and contrast while yielding a low-profile and compact system. A rod integrator is incorporated with a compact relay system to maximize light efficiency and to increase illumination uniformity. The uniformity achieved by the optimized optical system was calculated to be 94%. In addition, this unique light-separator design has dual output channels to increase the image contrast by steering the off-state light away from the projection lens. This projector design provides very efficient light utilization, and we discuss how the geometrical optical efficiency of the system can be boosted to approach the theoretical maximum.     

Characteristics of infrared imaging systems that benefit from superresolution reconstruction

There have been numerous applications of superresolution reconstruction algorithms to improve the range performance of infrared imagers. These studies show there can be a dramatic improvement in range performance when superresolution algorithms are applied to undersampled imager outputs. These occur when the imager is moving relative to the target, which creates different spatial samplings of the field of view for each frame. The degree of performance benefit is dependent on the relative sizes of the detector/spacing and the optical blur spot in focal plane space. The minimum blur spot size achievable on the focal plane is dependent on the system F/number. Hence, we provide a range of these sensor characteristics, for which there is a benefit from superresolution reconstruction algorithms. Additionally, we quantify the potential performance improvements associated with these algorithms. We also provide three infrared sensor examples to show the range of improvements associated with provided guidelines.     

MAP fusion method for superresolution of images with locally varying pixel quality

Superresolution is a procedure that produces a high‐resolution image from a set of low‐resolution images. Many of superresolution techniques are designed for optical cameras, which produce pixel values of well‐defined uncertainty, while there are still various imaging modalities for which the uncertainty of the images is difficult to control. To construct a superresolution image from low‐resolution images with varying uncertainty, one needs to keep track of the uncertainty values in addition to the pixel values. In this paper, we develop a probabilistic approach to superresolution to address the problem of varying uncertainty. As direct computation of the analytic solution for the superresolution problem is difficult, we suggest a novel algorithm for computing the approximate solution. As this algorithm is a noniterative method based on Kalman filter‐like recursion relations, there is a potential for real‐time implementation of the algorithm. To show the efficiency of our method, we apply this algorithm to a video sequence acquired by a forward looking sonar system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 18, 242–250, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com).