Incoherent optical image processing with acousto-optic pupil-plane filtering

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Image Processing
• Acousto-Optics

Background:

• Conventional spatial light modulators limit the speed and flexibility of implementing dynamic point-spread functions (PSFs).
• Implementing bipolar PSFs, crucial for operations like correlation, is challenging with existing technologies.
• Incoherent illumination offers advantages in field of view compared to coherent systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel incoherent image processor capable of implementing arbitrary bipolar point-spread functions (PSFs).
• To leverage acousto-optic cells for high-speed dynamic PSF generation.
• To enhance the field of view and simplify the optical system design.

Main Methods:

• Utilized orthogonally oriented one-dimensional acousto-optic cells to create dynamic, arbitrary bipolar PSFs.
• Implemented arbitrary PSFs through a linear superposition in time of separable PSFs.
• Employed a pupil-plane filter within a single-lens system for PSF implementation.
• Used incoherent illumination to expand the input field of view.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the realization of arbitrary nonseparable point-spread functions (PSFs).
• Successfully performed image convolution using a bipolar PSF.
• Achieved two-dimensional image correlation with the developed processor.
• Showcased an increased processor field of view compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed incoherent image processor effectively implements dynamic, arbitrary bipolar PSFs using acousto-optic cells.
• The system offers a faster PSF update rate, enabling efficient bipolar PSF implementation.
• The use of incoherent illumination and a pupil-plane filter results in a compact, wide-field-of-view imaging system.