Imaging through opacity using a near-infrared low-spatial-coherence fiber light source.

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Memory-effect-based speckle correlation is crucial for imaging through scattering media.
• Low spatial coherence light sources are essential for this technique.
• Traditional methods often use rotating diffusers for spatial decoherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate an all-fiber-based low-spatial-coherence light source.
• To simplify illumination structures and enhance light efficiency for speckle-correlated imaging.
• To extend the light source to the near-infrared band for improved imaging performance.

Main Methods:

• Development of an all-fiber low-spatial-coherence light source.
• Utilizing a multimode random fiber laser.
• Implementation of a local illumination method.

Main Results:

• Simplified illumination structure and enhanced light efficiency.
• Extended wavelength to the near-infrared band, improving memory effect range and penetration depth.
• Successful identification of object orientation, a novel capability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed all-fiber light source offers a practical and efficient solution for speckle-correlated imaging.
• The near-infrared extension and local illumination method advance capabilities in optical biomedical imaging.
• This work broadens the applications of multimode random fiber lasers in scattering media imaging.