Off-axis aberrations improve the resolution limits of incoherent imaging

Area of Science:

• Optical imaging systems
• Aberration theory
• Quantum-inspired superresolution

Background:

• Seidel aberrations, specifically off-axis tilt and Petzval curvature, are fundamental optical distortions.
• Fisher information quantifies the amount of information obtainable from a statistical measurement.
• Quantum-inspired superresolution aims to surpass classical diffraction limits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of low-order off-axis Seidel aberrations on Fisher information in two-point separation estimation.
• To determine if direct imaging schemes can replicate the localization advantages of modal imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of an incoherent imaging system with controlled off-axis tilt and Petzval curvature.
• Comparison of Fisher information for two-point separation estimation in aberrated versus aberration-free systems.
• Evaluation of direct imaging measurement schemes for superresolution localization.

Main Results:

• Off-axis tilt and Petzval curvature were found to improve Fisher information compared to an aberration-free system.
• Direct imaging measurement schemes alone demonstrated practical localization advantages.
• The study validates the utility of these specific aberrations in enhancing estimation precision.

Conclusions:

• Low-order Seidel aberrations can beneficially impact imaging system performance for separation estimation.
• Modal imaging advantages in quantum-inspired superresolution are achievable through simpler, direct imaging methods.
• This research offers a pathway to enhanced resolution without complex optical setups.