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.

Fast Hankel transform of nth order with improved performance

Abstract: An improved algorithm for the numerical computation of the Hankel transform of nth order is presented and is tested with some well-known functions.

Edge enhancement by unsharp masking using liquid-crystal displays

Abstract: A new method for real-time edge enhancement is presented. The method is based on the capacity of liquid-crystal displays to generate a contrast-reverted replica of the image displayed on it. When the negative replica is defocused and it is superposed to the original image (displayed in a second liquid-crystal display), one obtains an image with enhanced second derivatives. The proposed technique resembles the classical (photographic) unsharp masking method, but unlike the time-consuming photographic implementation, it can be applied in real-time. The proposed method is potentially interesting for image processing in areas such as microscopy, industrial edge inspection, etc. Validation experiments are presented.

Enhancing the phase profile and contrast of an interferogram by polarization recording in bacteriorhodopsin.

Abstract: Interferometry is a technique for reconstructing the profiles of phase objects. We present a novel interferometric setup for generating interferograms with doubled phase profile and enhanced contrast compared with the standard interferogram. The proposed system consists of a two-beam interferometer in which the reference and test waves are circularly polarized orthogonally to each other. They are superposed upon a bacteriorhodopsin film, creating a polarization grating that is distorted by the phase of the test object. This polarization pattern is read by a polarized He-Ne beam. We show analytically and experimentally that, when the zero diffraction order is removed, an interferogram with doubled phase profile and enhanced contrast is obtained.

Harmonic-based gain compensation method in optic sensors with separate light paths.

Abstract: We describe a method for the compensation of gain unbalance in optical sensors with separate light paths that involve two separate detection and conditioning electronic devices. The method is based on the digital measurement of harmonics of the output intensities from each path by means of the fast Fourier transform algorithm. The quotient of the amplitude of harmonics allows us to calculate the unbalance between paths and to compensate for it. In particular, this method can be applied in electric power and current sensors that use Faraday and Pockels cells to measure current and voltage, respectively.

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.