Digital infrared chromatic aberration correction algorithm for a membrane diffractive lens based on coherent imaging

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Infrared Imaging Technology
• Diffractive Optics

Background:

• Wide-spectrum chromatic aberration is a significant challenge in membrane diffractive lenses.
• Traditional lens aberration correction methods are often bulky and complex.
• Developing compact and efficient infrared imaging systems requires novel aberration correction techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a digital chromatic aberration correction (DCAC) system for membrane diffractive infrared imaging.
• To analyze the principles and application conditions of DCAC in this specific optical system.
• To evaluate the performance and imaging capabilities of the DCAC system.

Main Methods:

• A digital chromatic aberration correction principle was established and implemented computationally.
• A wavelength-tunable laser local oscillator coherent detection detector was utilized.
• Autocorrelation processing and incoherent accumulation of corrected complex images were applied.

Main Results:

• The proposed system effectively corrects chromatic aberration in membrane diffractive infrared imaging.
• The system offers advantages of small size, low weight, and low complexity compared to traditional methods.
• Imaging simulations demonstrated the system's parameters and capabilities, centered at 1.55 µm with a 1.50-1.60 µm spectral range.

Conclusions:

• Digital chromatic aberration correction is a viable and advantageous approach for membrane diffractive infrared imaging systems.
• The DCAC system significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio of infrared complex images through advanced processing.
• This technology holds promise for enhanced performance in compact infrared imaging applications.