Simulated wrapped phase optimizes phase retrieval in phase-shifting interferometry.

Area of Science:

• Optical Metrology
• Image Processing
• Interferometry

Background:

• Phase retrieval is essential for accurate phase measurement in techniques like phase-shifting interferometry.
• Noisy wrapped phase maps with steep gradients often lead to discontinuities and phase unwrapping errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust phase retrieval method for overcoming phase unwrapping errors in noisy and steep phase maps.
• To enhance the reliability and accuracy of phase retrieval in interferometric measurements.

Main Methods:

• A novel phase retrieval approach is proposed, utilizing a simulated wrapped phase.
• Correspondence is established between simulated and measured interferograms to derive wrapped phase differences.
• The method leverages known system parameters, optical component details, and object models for phase retrieval.

Main Results:

• The derived wrapped phase difference map exhibits sparse and wide interference fringes, increasing phase unwrapping reliability.
• The proposed method achieves high phase retrieval accuracy.
• Interferogram processing is simplified compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed phase retrieval method effectively addresses phase unwrapping errors in challenging conditions.
• This technique offers a reliable and accurate solution for phase measurement, simplifying data processing.
• The method's reliance on known system parameters makes it a valuable reference for phase retrieval applications.