Single-shot incoherent digital holography based on generalised three-step phase-shifting method with 1D phase grating

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• 3D Imaging Technologies

Background:

• Incoherent digital holography (IDH) is a passive 3D imaging technique using spatially incoherent light.
• Achieving single-shot recording with high light-utilization efficiency and spatial resolution remains a challenge in IDH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a single-shot, three-step phase-shifting IDH system.
• To enhance light-utilization efficiency and spatial resolution in IDH.
• To investigate noise tolerances of phase-shifting methods in grating-assisted IDH.

Main Methods:

• A single-shot three-step phase-shifting IDH system utilizing a 1D phase grating with a line-and-space structure.
• Simultaneous creation of three self-interference holograms using 0th and ±1st diffraction orders.
• Introduction of three-step phase shifts via geometric phase of circular polarizations.
• Implementation of a generalized three-step phase-shifting algorithm to compensate intensity variations.

Main Results:

• Experimental demonstration of single-shot recording of reflective objects.
• Theoretical analysis showing the three-step phase-shifting method is superior to the four-step method under specific diffraction efficiency conditions.
• The proposed system achieves high light-utilization efficiency and spatial resolution.

Conclusions:

• The developed single-shot three-step phase-shifting IDH system effectively addresses key challenges in IDH.
• The proposed method offers improved performance and noise tolerance compared to traditional four-step methods for specific grating configurations.
• This technique holds promise for advanced 3D imaging applications.