Abstract:
An imaging system includes a pixelated spatial light modulator ("SLM") to modify optical attributes (such as overall focus, wavefront coding, depth of field, and corrections for aberrations) of images. The SLM connects with a control unit that controls pixels of the SLM, and that asserts stored signal patterns to configure the SLM to change the optical attributes. The control unit may also include an image processor and image storage. An imaging method includes a control unit applying a signal pattern to a pixelated spatial light modulator in an imaging system to adjust an optical attribute. Another imaging method includes using a pixelated spatial light modulator to sequentially impart first and second optical tilts within an imaging system, capture an image using each optical tilt, and process the images to extract depth information such as, for example, a three dimensional depth map.
Abstract:
An imaging system for reducing aberrations from an intervening medium (52') and an associated method of use are provided. The system may be an optical or task-based optical imaging system including optics (102), such as a phase mask, for imaging a wavefront (55') of the system to an intermediate image and modifying phase of the wavefront such that an optical transfer function of the system is substantially invariant to focus-related aberrations from the medium. A detector (106) detects the intermediate image, which is further processed by a decoder (108), removing phase effects from the optics and forming a final image (110) substantially clear of the aberrations. Other systems may employ an encoder that codes wavefronts of acoustical waves propagating through a medium to make the wavefronts substantially invariant to acoustical aberrations from the medium. Imaging and decoding of the wavefronts reverse effects of the wavefront coding and produce sounds substantially free of the aberrations.
Abstract:
An imaging system for imaging a range of field points over on- and off- axis fields includes an image sensor for capturing image data, and first and second optical elements that are spaced apart and cooperate to image light at the image sensor. The first and second optical elements are configured to jointly modify phase of the light transmitted therethrough such that point-spread functions ("PSFs'") corresponding to the range field points are substantially uniform over on- and off-axis fields.
Abstract:
A task-based imaging system for obtaining data regarding a scene for use in a task includes an image data capturing arrangement for (a) imaging a wavefront of electromagnetic energy from the scene to an intermediate image over a range of spatial frequencies, (b) modifying phase of the wavefront, (c) detecting the intermediate image, and (d) generating image data over the range of spatial frequencies. The task-based imaging system also includes an image data processing arrangement for processing the image data and performing the task. The image data capturing and image data processing arrangements cooperate so that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the task-based imaging system is greater than SNR of the task-based imaging system without phase modification of the wavefront over the range of spatial frequencies.
Abstract:
A task-based imaging system for obtaining data regarding a scene for use in a task includes an image data capturing arrangement for (a) imaging a wavefront of electromagnetic energy from the scene to an intermediate image over a range of spatial frequencies, (b) modifying phase of the wavefront, (c) detecting the intermediate image, and (d) generating image data over the range of spatial frequencies. The task-based imaging system also includes an image data processing arrangement for processing the image data and performing the task. The image data capturing and image data processing arrangements cooperate so that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the task-based imaging system is greater than SNR of the task-based imaging system without phase modification of the wavefront over the range of spatial frequencies.
Abstract:
A system and method record data on an optical recording medium with a recording threshold. An illumination source creates an electromagnetic radiation beam. Optics, with a pupil phase function, image the beam onto the optical recording medium. The pupil phase function modifies the phase of the beam to form an aerial image at a point on a surface of the optical recording medium. A spot of the recording medium is modified at the point when the intensity of the aerial image is above the recording threshold, the intensity of the aerial image at the spot and area of the spot being substantially constant over an extended depth of focus.
Abstract:
A system, method and software product to optimize optical and/or digital system designs. An optical model of the optical system design is generated. A digital model of the digital system design is generated. Simulated output of the optical and digital models is analyzed to produce a score. The score is processed to determine whether the simulated output achieves one or more goals. One or more properties of at least one of the optical model and the digital model is modified if the goals are not achieved. The analyzing, processing and modifying is repeated until the goals are achieved, and an optimized optical system design and optimized digital system design are generated from the optical and digital models.
Abstract:
In an embodiment, a method of forming an anti-reflective surface includes providing conditions for a plasma, and exposing a surface of an organic-inorganic optical material to the plasma. A treated optical material formed thereby exhibits lower reflectivity relative to the material prior to the step of exposing, forming the anti-reflective surface. In an embodiment, a method of forming an anti -reflective surface includes depositing an etch mask on a surface of an optical material, providing plasma conditions for a plasma such that the plasma etches the optical material preferentially over the etch mask, and exposing the etch mask to the plasma using the plasma conditions to form a treated optical material having a plasma-affected zone. The optical material exhibits lower reflectivity relative to said optical material prior to the step of exposing, and forms the anti-reflective surface.
Abstract:
In an embodiment, a method of forming an anti-reflective surface includes providing conditions for a plasma, and exposing a surface of an organic-inorganic optical material to the plasma. A treated optical material formed thereby exhibits lower reflectivity relative to the material prior to the step of exposing, forming the anti-reflective surface. In an embodiment, a method of forming an anti -reflective surface includes depositing an etch mask on a surface of an optical material, providing plasma conditions for a plasma such that the plasma etches the optical material preferentially over the etch mask, and exposing the etch mask to the plasma using the plasma conditions to form a treated optical material having a plasma-affected zone. The optical material exhibits lower reflectivity relative to said optical material prior to the step of exposing, and forms the anti-reflective surface.
Abstract:
Membrane suspended optical elements include a structured substrate including a plurality of apertmes defined therein and an array of optical elements, each of the optical elements being suspended by membiane within one of the apertures.