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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Digital Inline Holographic Microscopy (DIHM) of Weakly-scattering Subjects
Published on: February 8, 2014
Imaging live humans through smoke and flames using far-infrared digital holography
M Locatelli1, E Pugliese, M Paturzo
1CNR Istituto Nazionale di Ottica-Largo E Fermi, 6 50125 Firenze, Italy.
Optics Express
|March 14, 2013
Summary
This study introduces lensless digital holography for seeing through flames and smoke, enabling the detection of live people in fire scenes. This infrared technology overcomes limitations of current infrared cameras, enhancing safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Infrared Imaging
- Holography
Background:
- Detecting people through smoke and flames is critical for industrial and fire safety.
- Current infrared cameras are blinded by flame radiation, limiting their effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel technology for imaging through smoke and flames.
- To enable the detection of live individuals in hazardous fire environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing lensless digital holography in the infrared (IR) range.
- Employing a continuous wave (cw) laser at 10.6 μm wavelength.
- Recording dynamic, human-size targets.
Main Results:
- Successful imaging through smoke and flames was achieved.
- Live, moving people were easily detected.
- Demonstrated the capability of digital holography at 10.6 μm for real-time imaging.
Conclusions:
- Lensless digital holography offers a breakthrough solution for visibility in fire scenes.
- This technology can significantly improve safety by enabling real-time detection of individuals.
- The system overcomes limitations of existing infrared detection methods.
