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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Automated 3D Optical Coherence Tomography to Elucidate Biofilm Morphogenesis Over Large Spatial Scales
Published on: August 21, 2019
Passive sensing around the corner using spatial coherence
M Batarseh1, S Sukhov1, Z Shen1
1CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
Scientists used light scattering from a wall to detect objects around corners. This passive method leverages natural light and spatial coherence changes for non-line-of-sight object detection.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Photonics
- Computational Imaging
Background:
- Traditional object detection methods fail when direct vision is obstructed.
- Existing techniques often require mirrors or active control of illumination properties.
- Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) sensing remains a significant challenge in various fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of using light scattering from a diffusing surface for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) object detection.
- To demonstrate a passive sensing approach that relies on natural broadband illumination.
- To explore the transformation of light's statistical properties for retrieving geometric information of hidden objects.
Main Methods:
- Experimental demonstration of light reflection from a highly scattering wall.
- Analysis of the transformation of spatial coherence properties of reflected light.
- Utilizing changes in light statistics to infer object location and geometry.
Main Results:
- A highly scattering wall can transfer statistical properties of light.
- The transformation of spatial coherence during light reflection aids in object detection.
- Geometric information about objects hidden around a corner can be retrieved.
Conclusions:
- A novel passive sensing paradigm for non-line-of-sight object detection is presented.
- The method relies solely on natural illumination and the scattering properties of a wall.
- This approach offers a new avenue for object localization in obstructed environments.
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