Versatile Multimodality Imaging System Based on Detectorless and Scanless Optical Feedback Interferometry—A Retrospective Overview for A Prospective Vision

Abstract

In this retrospective compendium, we attempt to draw a “fil rouge” along fifteen years of our research in the field of optical feedback interferometry aimed at guiding the readers to the verge of new developments in the field. The general reader will be moved at appreciating the versatility and the still largely uncovered potential of the optical feedback interferometry, for both sensing and imaging applications. By discovering the broad range of available wavelengths (0.4–120 μm), the different types of suitable semiconductor lasers (Fabry–Perot, distributed feedback, vertical-cavity, quantum-cascade), and a number of unconventional tenders in multi-axis displacement, ablation front progression, self-referenced measurements, multispectral, structured light feedback imaging and compressive sensing, the specialist also could find inspirational suggestions to expand his field of research.

Convolutional neural network for self-mixing interferometric displacement sensing

“…For instance, it would be particularly interesting to assess the performance of the network trained here on self-mixing schemes which include bias current modulation towards some other sensing task such as refractive index measurements. Alternatively, the input layer of the network can also be reworked at minor cost to take into account multichannel measurements and most interesting would probably be to integrate this approach into multimodality imaging systems [27].…”

Towards a label free coherent detectorless imaging module in photonic integrated circuits

“…OFI in semiconductor lasers can be conveniently recorded without any external detector to measure down to nanoscale displacement 3 just by measuring the voltage change at the laser terminals, a feature that allows compact imaging at pretty much any wavelength where a semiconductor laser exists, from UV to FIR. 4 In fact, imaging capabilities have been demonstrated in visible, near-infrared, mid-infrared, and THz spectra, 5 also with diagnostic specificity. 6 High-speed acquisition capable of tracking eye movement has recently been implemented in augmented reality displays, 7 while thermally stabilized quantum cascade lasers have allowed acquisitions over a few days of continuous operation.…”

Self-Mixing Laser Distance-Sensor Enhanced by Multiple Modulation Waveforms

“…Due to its advantages, the application of sensors based on the self-mixing technique are not limited only to absolute distance measurement. Various applications are reported in literature, including displacement [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ], speed [ 13 , 14 ] vibrations [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ], angles [ 21 ], imaging [ 22 ], liquid flow and level [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], biomedical applications [ 28 , 29 , 30 ], in addition to laser parameters measurements [ 31 , 32 ] and measurement for laser ablation [ 33 , 34 ]. Self-Mixing Interferometry (SMI) takes advantage of the optical back-injection inside the laser cavity.…”