Robust processing of phase dislocations based on combined unwrapping and inpainting approaches

This Letter proposes a robust processing of phase dislocations to recover continuous phase maps. The approach is based on combined unwrapping and inpainting methods. Phase dislocations are determined using an estimator based on the second order phase gradient. The algorithm is validated using a realistic simulation of phase dislocations, and the phase restoration exhibits only weak errors. A comparison with other inpainting algorithms is also provided, demonstrating the suitability of the approach. The approach is applied to experimental data from off-axis digital holographic interferometry. The phase dislocation from phase data from a wake flow at Mach 0.73 are identified and processed. Excellent phase restoration can be appreciated.