Invariant activity detection of a constant magnitude signal with unknown parameters in white Gaussian noise

The authors propose invariant tests for the detection of a complex signal with unknown constant amplitude and unknown phase variation in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The authors show that in this problem, the uniformly most powerful invariant (UMPI) detector does exist only if the number of samples N is two. For more than two samples N ges 3, the authors derive the most powerful invariant (MPI) detector in known signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and use its performance as the upper bound benchmark for any invariant test. In addition, the authors derive the generalised likelihood ratio (GLR) detector and evaluate its performance against the MPI performance bound. This detector is very simple and represents the ratio of the L ₁-norm to the L ₂-norm of the data. Simulation results illustrate the close performances of the two detectors even at low SNRs, whereas in contrast to the MPI test the SNR is not required in the proposed GLR test. In order to understand why the knowledge of SNR is not so important in this detection problem, the authors also derive the GLR test for the case of known SNR. Interestingly, the resulting GLR detector (derived for the case of known SNR) turns out to be equivalent to the one derived for unknown SNR, i.e. a knowledge of the SNR is not used in any of the GLR tests. This reveals why the knowledge of the SNR is not so useful in this detection problem.     

Wide-angle narrow-bandpass optical detection system optimally designed to have a large signal-to-noise ratio

A method for achieving optimal design of a wide-angle narrow-bandpass optical detection system composed of a spherical interference filter and a circular photodetector is introduced. It was found that there is an optimal photodetector diameter that maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for a given filter configuration. We show how to optimize optical detection systems based on spherical interference filters for all the important parameters simultaneously. The SNR values of these systems are compared with the SNR values of spherical-step-filter-based detection systems. When large silicon photodetectors are used, the two systems have equal SNR values so that the more economical step-filter systems are preferable. The results given here in the near-infrared region can be used for the optimization of any configuration of a detection system based on a spherical interference filter and a silicon photodetector working at the same wavelength range, without further calculations.     

Dynamic magneto-optic detector for analog readout

The addition of a polarization azimuth vibrator, such as a Faraday cell, to a conventional Kerr apparatus yields a dynamic detector with a high SNR capability. The method described here has been utilized in the past as a null detector to observe Kerr rotation. It can be used equally well for analog readout of the magnetic state of the film element. The improved Kerr apparatus is well-suited to a common-mode noise rejection configuration. The common-mode configuration is usable both as a measuring instrument and as a high-speed analog readout system. Dynamic single- and double-ended Kerr apparatus are discussed and typical photodetector output waveforms are shown.     

Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope with integrated wide-field retinal imaging and tracking

We have developed a new, unified implementation of the adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) incorporating a wide-field line-scanning ophthalmoscope (LSO) and a closed-loop optical retinal tracker. AOSLO raster scans are deflected by the integrated tracking mirrors so that direct AOSLO stabilization is automatic during tracking. The wide-field imager and large-spherical-mirror optical interface design, as well as a large-stroke deformable mirror (DM), enable the AOSLO image field to be corrected at any retinal coordinates of interest in a field of >25 deg. AO performance was assessed by imaging individuals with a range of refractive errors. In most subjects, image contrast was measurable at spatial frequencies close to the diffraction limit. Closed-loop optical (hardware) tracking performance was assessed by comparing sequential image series with and without stabilization. Though usually better than 10 μm rms, or 0.03 deg, tracking does not yet stabilize to single cone precision but significantly improves average image quality and increases the number of frames that can be successfully aligned by software-based post-processing methods. The new optical interface allows the high-resolution imaging field to be placed anywhere within the wide field without requiring the subject to re-fixate, enabling easier retinal navigation and faster, more efficient AOSLO montage capture and stitching.     

Generalized signal-to-noise ratio for spectral sensors with correlated bands

Traditional spectral sensors are intentionally designed to minimize overlap among spectral response functions of different bands. In contrast, some emerging classes of spectral sensors exhibit significant band overlap. An effect introduced by such band overlap is that the photodetector noise of one band is coupled into the others in subsequent data processing steps. Because of this, the traditional band-by-band definition of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) cannot fully describe the detector's noise level. We devise a general definition of SNR in spectral space based on a recently developed geometrical spectral imaging model [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A24, 2864 (2007)]. With this model, we can find an orthogonal basis of the spectral response functions for the spectral sensor with decreasing instrument SNRs. We can also define the average instrument SNR for the whole sensor, which makes it possible to characterize quantitatively the photodetector noise of a spectral sensor with correlated bands.     

The use of a figure-of-merit (FOM) for optimisation in digital mammography: a literature review

The use of image quality parameters in digital mammography such as contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) has been widespread, with the intention of detector evaluation and/or quantitative evaluation of the system performance. These parameters are useful in ensuring adequate system performance when tests are done against international standards or guidelines. Parameters like CNR are relative quantities that lie within a range that is manufacturer and system dependent. The use of a figure-of-merit (FOM) is a relatively new concept as a tool in digital mammography permitting quantitative assessment in terms of image quality and patient dose. This review summarises the available evidence for the use and applicability of an FOM in digital mammography.     

Modal analysis of noise in signal-processing-in-the-element detectors

Detector noise limits the performance of signal-processing-in-the-element detectors. For detectors to be optimized, an expression for the signal and noise must be found. The results of the eigenmode solution to the charge transport problem are used to derive the power spectral density of the noise in analytic form. This result is then coordinated with a similarly obtained modulation transfer function to yield a frequency-dependent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The SNR is used to reveal performance trends over several ranges of detector parameters. The most important result is that the contact boundary velocity strongly controls the SNR. The optimum SNR condition occurs when the contacts are not perfectly ohmic but exhibit a partially blocking behavior.     

A sensitive, spatially uniform photodetector for broadband infrared spectrophotometry

We describe the design and performance of a liquid helium-cooled As:Si blocked-impurity-band photodetector system intended for spectrophotometry in the thermal infrared (2 to 30 mum) spectral region. The system has been characterized for spectral sensitivity, noise, thermal stability, and spatial uniformity, and optimized for use with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer source for absolute goniometric reflectance measurements. Its performance is evaluated and compared to more common detector systems used in this spectral region, including room-temperature pyroelectric and liquid-N(2)-cooled photoconductive devices.     

Focusing properties of hemispherical mirrors for total integrating scattering instruments

Focusing properties are derived of a hemispherical mirror (also called a Coblentz sphere) used in total integrated scattering (TIS) instruments for the measurement of surface roughness. Analytical formulas for the scattered-light dependence on scattering angle and on the position of the photodetector and sample (with respect to the hemisphere) are given. From these formulas one can estimate useful parameters related to the construction and performance evaluation of TIS instruments, including spherical aberration of the hemispherical mirror, solid angle of the scattered light collected by a photodetector of a given size, and optimal size of the photodetector and its position with respect to the basal plane of the mirror.     

Dark Current and Signal-to-Noise Ratio in BDJ Image Sensors

In this paper, analytical expressions of dark currents and equivalent noise generators of a CMOS color image sensor are presented, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at both outputs is evaluated. Static measurements and simulations on Austria Micro Systems 0.35-mum CMOS test structures yield guidelines to increase the SNR of the buried double junction photodetector     

A modified model of the atmospheric effects on the performance of FSO links employing single and multiple receivers

In free space optical (FSO) communication links, atmospheric effects including absorption, scattering and turbulence have significant impacts on the quality of the laser beam propagating through the free space channel. Absorption and/or scattering due to the atmospheric particles result in optical losses, whereas turbulence contributes to the intensity scintillation which can severely impair the operation of FSO links. In this paper, using a modified model we analyze the atmospheric effects on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the bit error rate (BER) performance of an FSO system. We show that for multiple detectors with the same surface area as a single detector there is a critical link range less than which the SNR decreases for larger values of M.     

Signal-to-noise ratio trade-offs associated with coarsely sampled Fourier transform spectroscopy

We derive the spectral signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) trade-offs associated with coarsely sampled Fourier transform spectroscopy using a step-and-integrate measurement scheme. We show that there is no SNR penalty in the shot noise limit and a slight SNR benefit in the detector noise limit for the case of coarse sampling to achieve the same spectral resolution as a baseline Nyquist sampling scenario, where the total detector integration time is the same for both sampling cases.     

Dual FDTS/DF: a unified approach to dual-detection and modificationfor MTR codes

Dual-detector decision-feedback schemes have recently gained considerable interest in magnetic recording. Schemes such as dual decision feedback equalization (DDFE), M2DFE, and dual FDTS/DF are dual-detector versions of DFE, multilevel DFE (MDFE), and fixed delay tree search with decision feedback fixed-delay tree search with decision feedback (FDTS/DF) detectors, respectively. At high recording densities, the dual-detector versions significantly improve bit-error-rate (BER) performance and reduce error propagation. In this paper, we first give a unified approach to the bit-error-rate analysis of dual-detector decision feedback schemes in an attempt to highlight their relationship, and then we show that the performance of dual FDTS/DF reduces to that of DDFE for τ=0 and reduces to that of M2DFE for τ=1 with d=1 code constraint. Further, we extend the dual FDTS/DF detection scheme to maximum transition run-length (MTR) coded channels. On the basis of both BER and error event analysis, we propose a modified dual FDTS/DF detection scheme for MTR-coded channels that improves BER performance. The new scheme modifies certain bits in the detection profess for preventing the dominant error event. Simulation results on 6/7 MTR-coded Lorentzian channel show that the modified detector gives around 1 dB SNR improvement over the advanced (trellis-coded extended partial response) TC-E²PR detector     

Zonal wavefront sensor with reduced number of rows in the detector array

In this paper, we describe a zonal wavefront sensor in which the photodetector array can have a smaller number of rows. The test wavefront is incident on a two-dimensional array of diffraction gratings followed by a single focusing lens. The periodicity and the orientation of the grating rulings of each grating can be chosen such that the +1 order beam from the gratings forms an array of focal spots in the detector plane. We show that by using a square array of zones, it is possible to generate an array of +1 order focal spots having a smaller number of rows, thus reducing the height of the required detector array. The phase profile of the test wavefront can be estimated by measuring the displacements of the +1 order focal spots for the test wavefront relative to the +1 order focal spots for a plane reference wavefront. The narrower width of the photodetector array can offer several advantages, such as a faster frame rate of the wavefront sensor, a reduced amount of cross talk between the nearby detector zones, and a decrease in the maximum thermal noise. We also present experimental results of a proof-of-concept experimental arrangement using the proposed wavefront sensing scheme.     

Implementation of a likelihood ratio test for laser Doppler velocimeter burst detection

A likelihood ratio test for laser Doppler velocimeter burst detection is derived and implemented with the appropriate photon detection statistics. This detector utilizes the first point of the autocorrelation function of the laser Doppler velocimeter photodetector signal and relies on a simple identity for this point. The detector looks at the ratio of two probability functions of the data (burst and no burst) to make its decision. Because the detector does not depend on the absolute strength of the signal, detection down to very low (-10-dB) signal-to-noise levels can be achieved. Because the autocorrelation function is insensitive to the phase of the signal, the detector will operate reliably with signals containing multiple overlapping bursts.     

Task-based lens design with application to digital mammography

Recent advances in model observers that predict human perceptual performance now make it possible to optimize medical imaging systems for human task performance. We illustrate the procedure by considering the design of a lens for use in an optically coupled digital mammography system. The channelized Hotelling observer is used to model human performance, and the channels chosen are differences of Gaussians. The task performed by the model observer is detection of a lesion at a random but known location in a clustered lumpy background mimicking breast tissue. The entire system is simulated with a Monte Carlo application according to physics principles, and the main system component under study is the imaging lens that couples a fluorescent screen to a CCD detector. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the channelized Hotelling observer is used to quantify this detectability of the simulated lesion (signal) on the simulated mammographic background. Plots of channelized Hotelling SNR versus signal location for various lens apertures, various working distances, and various focusing places are presented. These plots thus illustrate the trade-off between coupling efficiency and blur in a task-based manner. In this way, the channelized Hotelling SNR is used as a merit function for lens design.     

Optical heterodyne detection of random electromagnetic beams

Abstract

In this paper we present a general analysis for the optical heterodyne detection of random electromagnetic beams. To describe the ensemble of quasimonochromatic beams which are partially polarized and partially coherent, we use a recently developed matrix treatment. We derive an expression for the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in terms of the beam coherence polarization matrices of the beams on the detector surface. Numerical examples are given for the SNR variation in the case of partially polarized Gaussian Schell model beams and the optimum detection is discussed in terms of beam parameters of the local oscillator.     

Saturation effects in heterodyne detection with Geiger-mode InGaAs avalanche photodiode detector arrays

We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of heterodyne detection of a glint target using an InGaAs avalanche photodiode detector (APD) array in the Geiger mode. Due to the finite number of pixels, all such photon-counting arrays necessarily suffer from saturation effects. At large photon fluxes, saturation of the APD degrades the Doppler frequency resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We derive analytical expressions for the Doppler resolution and SNR, taking saturation effects into account. The optimal local oscillator power can be obtained numerically from the SNR expression.     

Advances in solution-processed quantum dots based hybrid structures for infrared photodetector

Infrared photodetector based on solution-processed colloidal quantum dots (QDs), which possess the special properties of wide-size-tunable bandgap, high quantum confinement potential and low-cost fabrication, have been employed successfully as a viable technological proposal for optical communication, biological imaging, night vision, surveillance, and remote sensing. However, QDs-based photodetector always fails to demonstrate excellent infrared photodetection performance because of low value of carrier mobility. Fortunately, QDs solutions can be easily deposited on various substrates, including 2D materials, film materials or other QDs, and these QDs-based hybrid structures can be engineered to achieve high mobility and light absorbance simultaneously through synergistic effect between QDs and other materials. Herein, we focus on how QDs-based hybrid structure developments have effectively facilitated the performance of infrared photodetectors enhancements, including three main types of QDs-based hybrid structure, optimization of infrared photodetector performance and integrated circuit engineering. Finally, we systematically summarize the current challenges and future development of infrared photodetector based on QDs and its hybrid structure.