Resolving ambiguities in phase correction term for optical field encoding.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Phase and amplitude optical field encoding techniques are crucial for data transmission and sensing.
• Ambiguities exist regarding the definition and necessity of a phase correction term in these methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve ambiguities surrounding the phase correction term in optical field encoding.
• To provide a unified theoretical framework for phase and amplitude encoding.

Main Methods:

• Development of a generalized mixed Fourier-Taylor series expansion.
• Theoretical analysis of the expansion for arbitrary phase-wrapping intervals.
• Numerical simulations and experimental validation.

Main Results:

• The generalized expansion is valid for any phase-wrapping interval.
• Demonstration that consistent application of a phase-wrapping convention leads to equivalent results.
• Reconciliation of previously conflicting interpretations of phase correction terms.

Conclusions:

• The existence and definition of a phase correction term are dependent on the chosen phase-wrapping convention.
• A consistent approach to phase-wrapping eliminates ambiguity and ensures accurate optical field encoding.
• This work provides a robust theoretical foundation for phase and amplitude optical field encoding techniques.