Spatial filter

About: Spatial filter is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 6170 publications have been published within this topic receiving 100451 citations.

Simultaneous dual-band optical coherence tomography in the spectral domain for high resolution in vivo imaging

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the spectral domain is demonstrated simultaneously at two wavelength bands centered at 800 nm and 1250 nm. A novel commercial supercontinuum laser is applied as a single low coherence broadband light source. The emission spectrum of the source is shaped by optical and spatial filtering in order to achieve an adequate double peak spectrum containing the wavelength bands 700 - 900 nm and 1100 - 1400 nm for dual-band OCT imaging and thus reducing the radiation exposure of the sample. Each wavelength band is analyzed with an individual spectrometer at an A-scan rate of about 12 kHz which enables real-time imaging for the examination of moving samples. A common path optical setup optimized for both spectral regions with a separate single fiber-based scanning unit was realized which facilitates flexible handling and easy access to the measurement area. The free-space axial resolutions were measured to be less than 4.5 microm and 7 microm at 800 nm and 1250 nm, respectively. Three-dimensional imaging ten times faster than previously reported with a signal-to-noise-ratio of above 90 dB is achieved simultaneously in both wavelength bands. Spectral domain dual-band OCT combines real-time imaging with high resolution at 800 nm and enhanced penetration depth at 1250 nm and therefore provides a well suited tool for in vivo vasodynamic measurements. Further, spatially resolved spectral features of the sample are obtained by means of comparing the backscattering properties at two different wavelength bands. The ability of dual-band OCT to enhance tissue contrast and the sensitivity of this imaging modality to wavelength-dependent sample birefringence is demonstrated.

Detection of Differences in Real Distributions

Abstract: If two coherently illuminated distributions are spatially separated at the front focal plane of a spherical lens and the resulting diffraction pattern is square-law recorded in the back focal plane, the Fourier transform of the record contains comparative data about the two input distributions. The transform of the record presents data in a reference frame that simplifies the problem of identifying and locating differences between the two input distributions. The process of transforming, detecting, and retransforming is a method of convolving the two input distributions. If the inputs are identical, the autocorrelation function is derived. If only real functions are evaluated, the autocorrelation function is symmetrical about the correlation peak. An asymmetry indicates a difference between the inputs, i.e., a cross-correlation function. The value of the technique is that it reduces the procedure for comparing spatial distributions to a search for asymmetry about an easily defined point. The same process may be used to identify spatial distributions by heterodyning a reference distribution with the field of view to be searched. The cross correlation function derived contains a sharp correlation peak for each target within the field of view.

Spatio-temporal filter and method

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods are disclosed for the spatial and temporal processing of time dependant array data using analog signal processors. In one embodiment, a programmable array of switched capacitors is used to provide tunable parameters for controlling the desired processing of input data streams. The switched capacitor implementation of a spatial filter provides a massively parallel device that can be programmed to perform isotropic and spatially-oriented anisotropic filtering with low power demands. The system further includes the ability to combine differently filtered output streams with independent multiplicative weights. In another embodiment, the nonlinear spatio-temporal motion energy of a two-dimensional image stream data is computed. The spatial-temporal filter is able to combine multiple analog filters, both spatial and temporal, to perform complex spatial-temporal filtering operations implemented by Gaussian kernel filtering chips. It enables the use of analog spatial-temporal filtered data provided by the chip for computing scene motion energy.

Comparison of beam generation techniques using a phase only spatial light modulator.

Abstract: Whether in art or for QR codes, images have proven to be both powerful and efficient carriers of information. Spatial light modulators allow an unprecedented level of control over the generation of optical fields by using digital holograms. There is no unique way of obtaining a desired light pattern however, leaving many competing methods for hologram generation. In this paper, we test six hologram generation techniques in the creation of a variety of modes as well as a photographic image: rating the methods according to obtained mode quality and power. All techniques compensate for a non-uniform mode profile of the input laser and incorporate amplitude scaling. We find that all methods perform well and stress the importance of appropriate spatial filtering. We expect these results to be of interest to those working in the contexts of microscopy, optical trapping or quantum image creation.

Frequency dependence of modal noise in multimode optical fibers

Abstract: Under certain conditions a changing speckle pattern exists at the output plane of a multimode fiber, resulting in modal noise which can degrade the error performance of a fiber data link. Fiber motion is the usual cause of such speckle change, and Daino et al. have studied the first-order statistics of such modal noise, assuming a single frequency source. But source frequency variation can also cause modal noise; and source frequency diversity has been shown effective in its reduction. In this paper we use a speckle theory approach to study the frequency dependence of modal noise. We have measured and analyzed the correlation of two speckle patterns as a function of source frequency difference, and the speckle spatial frequency distribution as a function of fiber parameters. We have also measured the speckle contrast as a function of fiber length for several sources and fiber types. Such information permits the prediction of the modal noise statistics, from which corresponding changes in error rates can be derived.