José A. Ferrari

Bio: José A. Ferrari is an academic researcher from University of the Republic. The author has contributed to research in topics: Interferometry & Image processing. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 132 publications receiving 1297 citations. Previous affiliations of José A. Ferrari include Simón Bolívar University.

Visualization of two-dimensional phase gradients by subtraction of a reference periodic pattern.

Abstract: We describe a simple method for visualization of phase objects The phase object is placed between a printed two-dimensional periodic pattern and a CCD camera The ray deflection that is due to the phase object distorts the image of the pattern This image is subtracted from a reference image and then, by squaring and low-pass filtering, a measurement of the two-dimensional refractive-index changes is obtained Because the optical system does not require special alignment or illumination, the method presented has potential application for detection of gas leaks in industrial environments

Three-dimensional profiling with binary fringes using phase-shifting interferometry algorithms

Abstract: Three-dimensional shape measurements by sinusoidal fringe projection using phase-shifting interferometry algorithms are distorted by the nonlinear response in intensity of commercial video projectors and digital cameras. To solve the problem, we present a method that consists in projecting and acquiring a temporal sequence of strictly binary patterns, whose (adequately weighted) average leads to a sinusoidal fringe pattern with the required number of bits. Since binary patterns consist of “ones” and “zeros”—and no half-tones are involved—the nonlinear response of the projector and the camera will not play a role, and a nearly unit contrast gray-level sinusoidal fringe pattern is obtained. Validation experiments are presented.

All-in-focus image reconstruction under severe defocus.

Abstract: Limited depth-of-focus is a problem in many fields of optics, e.g., microscopy and macro-photography. We propose a new physically based method with a space variant point spread function (PSF) to accomplish all-in-focus reconstruction (image fusion) from a multi-focus image sequence in order to extend the depth-of-field. The proposed method works well under strong defocus conditions for color image stacks of arbitrary length. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate that our method outperforms state-of-the-art image fusion algorithms for strong defocus on both synthetic as well as real data images.

Fast Hankel transform of nth order

Abstract: An analytical form that provides a computationally efficient algorithm for numerical evaluation of the Hankel transform of nth order by fast-Fourier-transform techniques is presented and tested with some well-known functions.

Precision synchronous polarimeter with linear response for the measurement of small rotation angles.

Abstract: A synchronous polarimeter was set up for the measurement of small rotation angles of the polarization plane of light. The polarimeter is based on a polarizer–Faraday modulator–analyzer structure with a synchronous detection scheme, which produces a linear system response. The theoretical background is studied, and the system performance is investigated experimentally. We achieved an accuracy of the order of 10-4 deg, or 5 mg/dl of glucose in a 1-cm light path.

The SIESTA method for ab initio order-N materials simulation

Abstract: We have developed and implemented a selfconsistent density functional method using standard norm-conserving pseudopotentials and a flexible, numerical linear combination of atomic orbitals basis set, which includes multiple-zeta and polarization orbitals. Exchange and correlation are treated with the local spin density or generalized gradient approximations. The basis functions and the electron density are projected on a real-space grid, in order to calculate the Hartree and exchange-correlation potentials and matrix elements, with a number of operations that scales linearly with the size of the system. We use a modified energy functional, whose minimization produces orthogonal wavefunctions and the same energy and density as the Kohn-Sham energy functional, without the need for an explicit orthogonalization. Additionally, using localized Wannier-like electron wavefunctions allows the computation time and memory required to minimize the energy to also scale linearly with the size of the system. Forces and stresses are also calculated efficiently and accurately, thus allowing structural relaxation and molecular dynamics simulations.

Medscape

Abstract: Secret History: Return of the Black Death Channel 4, 7-8pm In 1348 the Black Death swept through London, killing people within days of the appearance of their first symptoms. Exactly how many died, and why, has long been a mystery. This Secret History documentary follows experts as they pick through the evidence and reveal why the plague killed on such a scale. And they ask, what might be coming next?

Fourier-transform method of fringe-pattern analysis for computer-based topography and interferometry

Abstract: A fast-Fourier-transform method of topography and interferometry is proposed. By computer processing of a noncontour type of fringe pattern, automatic discrimination is achieved between elevation and depression of the object or wave-front form, which has not been possible by the fringe-contour-generation techniques. The method has advantages over moire topography and conventional fringe-contour interferometry in both accuracy and sensitivity. Unlike fringe-scanning techniques, the method is easy to apply because it uses no moving components.

Digital wavefront measuring interferometer for testing optical surfaces and lenses

Abstract: A self-scanned 1024 element photodiode array and minicomputer are used to measure the phase (wavefront) in the interference pattern of an interferometer to lambda/100. The photodiode array samples intensities over a 32 x 32 matrix in the interference pattern as the length of the reference arm is varied piezoelectrically. Using these data the minicomputer synchronously detects the phase at each of the 1024 points by a Fourier series method and displays the wavefront in contour and perspective plot on a storage oscilloscope in less than 1 min (Bruning et al. Paper WE16, OSA Annual Meeting, Oct. 1972). The array of intensities is sampled and averaged many times in a random fashion so that the effects of air turbulence, vibrations, and thermal drifts are minimized. Very significant is the fact that wavefront errors in the interferometer are easily determined and may be automatically subtracted from current or subsequent wavefrots. Various programs supporting the measurement system include software for determining the aperture boundary, sum and difference of wavefronts, removal or insertion of tilt and focus errors, and routines for spatial manipulation of wavefronts. FFT programs transform wavefront data into point spread function and modulus and phase of the optical transfer function of lenses. Display programs plot these functions in contour and perspective. The system has been designed to optimize the collection of data to give higher than usual accuracy in measuring the individual elements and final performance of assembled diffraction limited optical systems, and furthermore, the short loop time of a few minutes makes the system an attractive alternative to constraints imposed by test glasses in the optical shop.