Evolutionary paths in imaging and recent trends

Abstract

An examination of recent trends in imaging reveals a movement toward systems that balance processing between optics and electronics. Imaging applications include conventional imaging to produce visually pleasing images, special purpose imaging whose output is also an image but with enhanced characteristics, and functional imaging to produce information about a scene from optical data. We identify three approaches to computational imaging that are capable of achieving these goals: wavefront encoding, multiplex imaging, and feature extraction.

Wavefront coding with adaptive optics

“…1 Especially in high-resolution microscopes with large NA, the DOF is limited. 2,3 An effective solution for the problem DOF control is, therefore, of interest for general design of imaging systems, regardless the application.…”

Dual-band infrared optical imaging system design by wavefront coding

“…Wavefront Coding (WFC) technology is a methodology for digital imaging systems jointly optimizes the optics, detection and signal processing of an imaging system. WFC is system-level technology that can control misfocus related aberrations in digital imaging systems [4][5][6][7] . Misfocus related aberrations include misfocus, astigmatism, Petzval curvature, chromatic aberration, temperature-related misfocus, and assembly related misfocus.…”

Use of a spatial light modulator as an adaptable phase mask for wavefront coding

“…The past decade has witnessed a growth of interest in the use of hybrid optical/digital techniques to provide improved imaging capabilities or extra degrees of freedom in the design of imaging systems (1). One such technique, known as wavefront coding (2-4) involves placing a refractive coding phase mask in the aperture stop of an imaging system.…”