Multispectral phase imaging based on acousto-optic filtration of interfering light beams [Invited]

Area of Science:

• Optical Physics
• Interference Imaging
• Acousto-Optics

Background:

• Acousto-optic spectral selection is key for multi-wavelength interference imaging.
• Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) systems benefit from enhanced contrast and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of acousto-optic tunable filter placement on QPI system performance.
• To optimize spectral contrast, ambient light insensitivity, stability, and measurement accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis and experimental comparison of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer-based QPI system.
• Evaluation of systems with one or two acousto-optic filters in illumination and/or output channels.
• Measurement of interference pattern visibility and phase map noise root mean square.

Main Results:

• Filter placement significantly affects system characteristics.
• Acousto-optic filtration in the output channel demonstrably improves interference pattern contrast.
• Optimized filter placement leads to enhanced system stability and measurement precision.

Conclusions:

• Strategic placement of acousto-optic tunable filters is crucial for optimizing interference imaging systems.
• Output channel filtration offers superior performance for quantitative phase imaging.
• This work provides a framework for enhancing the accuracy and stability of multi-wavelength interference imaging.