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Wigner formulation of optical processing with light of arbitrary coherence
Applied Optics
|March 22, 2008
Summary
A new Wigner distribution function formalism unifies the design and analysis of optical processors. This method handles arbitrary coherence, simplifying the study of imaging and Fourier-transform operations.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Mathematical Physics
Background:
- Optical processors are crucial for various applications.
- Existing methods for designing and analyzing optical processors can be complex and limited in scope, especially concerning light coherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a unified mathematical formulation for designing and analyzing general optical processors.
- To extend the Wigner distribution function to handle arbitrary coherence in optical systems.
Main Methods:
- Exploiting the Wigner distribution function (WDF) to characterize illumination, input, filter, and output.
- Utilizing the Wigner matrix formalism for geometric analysis of light propagation.
- Extending the WDF to include illumination of arbitrary coherence.
Main Results:
- A unified Wigner formalism is established for designing and analyzing optical processors.
- The formalism accommodates both coherent and partially coherent light.
- Geometric analysis simplifies the characterization of light propagation.
Conclusions:
- The Wigner formalism provides a versatile and unified approach for optical processor design and analysis.
- This method facilitates the evaluation of performance and tolerances for various optical operations like imaging and Fourier transforms.
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