Amir Shemer

Superresolving optical system with time multiplexing and computer decoding

Objects that have slow temporal variations may be superresolved with two moving masks such as pinhole or grating. The first mask is responsible for encoding the input image, and the second one performs the decoding operation. This approach is efficient for exceeding the resolving capability beyond Abbes limit of resolution. However, the proposed setup requires two physical gratings that should move in a synchronized manner. We propose what is believed to be a novel configuration in which the second grating responsible for the information decoding is replaced with a detector array and some postprocessing digital procedures. In this way the synchronization problem that exists when two gratings are used is simplified. Experimental results are provided for illustrating the utility of the new approach.

All-optical axial super resolving imaging using a low-frequency binary-phase mask

In this paper we present a new approach for obtaining all-optical axial super-resolving imaging by using a non-diffractive binary phase mask inserted at the entrance pupil of an imaging lens. The designed element is tested numerically and experimentally on various practical testing benches and eventually is inserted into the lens of a cellular phone camera.

Time multiplexing superresolution based on interference grating projection

In a previous work done by the authors, it was shown that the superresolution concept based on two moving gratings could be effected by a physical grating attached to the object and a virtual grating. This concept was shown to be very efficient and exhibited features that are helpful in removing some artifacts caused when coherent illumination is used. Furthermore, it simplifies the optical and mechanical modules of the super-resolving system by removing the need for mechanical movement of one grating. However, the system still required the need for moving the first (encoding) grating attached to the input. In this study the encoding grating is replaced by use of a projected grating. This approach simplifies the need for attaching the grating to the input object and thus new applications, such as remote sensing can be considered. The theoretical concept is demonstrated and experimental results are shown.

Modified morphological correlation based on bit-map representations

Pattern recognition with high discrimination can be achieved with a morphological correlator. A modification of this correlator is carried out by use of a binary slicing process instead of linear thresholding. Although the obtained correlation result is not identical to the conventional morphological correlation, it requires fewer calculations and provides even higher discrimination. Two optical experimental implementations of this modified morphological correlator as well as some experimental results are shown.

Optical characteristics of the compound PLZT

We present a summary of measured characteristics of lanthanum-doped lead zirconium titanate (PLZT) compound in its mechanical housing. It is expected that the PLZT device will be used as the main component in an ultrafast electro-optic switch. We have performed several experiments to measure and calculate the following characteristics: optical power transmission, thermodynamic effects, switching speed, and dc drift phenomenon.

Lensless three-dimensional integral imaging using variable and time multiplexed pinhole array

We present a multivariable coded aperture (MVCA) for lensless three-dimensional integral imaging (3D II) systems. The new configuration is based on a time multiplexing method using a variable pinholes array design. The system provides higher resolution 3D images with improved light intensity and signal to noise ratio as compared to single-pinhole system. The MVCA 3D II system configuration can be designed to achieve high light intensity for practical use as microlenslets arrays. This new configuration preserves the advantages of pinhole optics while solving the resolution limitation problem and the long exposure time of such systems. The three-dimensional images are obtained with improved resolution, signal to noise ratio, and light efficiency. This integral imaging lensless system is characterized by large depth of focus, simplicity, and low cost.

Radio frequency photonic filter for highly resolved and ultrafast information extraction.

We present a method and devices for highly resolved carrier and information extraction of optically modulated radar signals. The extraction is done by passing the optical beam through a monitoring path that constitutes a finite impulse response filter. Replications of the monitoring signal realize the required spectral scan of the filter. Despite the fact that the filter configuration is fixed, each replication experiences different spectral filtering. The radar carrier is detected by observing the energy fluctuations in a low-rate output detector. The RF information is extracted by positioning a low-rate tunable filter at the detected carrier frequency.

Superresolved imaging based on wavelength multiplexing of projected unknown speckle patterns

We propose a method for resolution enhancement of a diffraction limited optical system based on the capture of a set of low resolution images. These images are obtained after projection of an ensemble of unknown speckle patterns on top of the high resolution object that is to be imaged. Each speckle pattern is generated by the same thin (and unknown) diffuser, but illuminated with a slightly different wavelength. From the ensemble of low resolution images, we obtain a system of equations that can be solved in an iterative manner that enables reconstruction of the high resolution object. As a result, we also achieve the projected high resolution speckle patterns used for the encoding.

Light intensity and SNR improvement for high-resolution optical imaging via time multiplexed pinhole arrays

In this paper, we present a novel method for pinhole optics with variable pinhole arrays. The imaging system is based on a time multiplexing method using variable and moving pinhole arrays. The improved resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are achieved with improved light intensity in the same exposure time, compared with that of a one-pinhole system. This new configuration preserves the advantages of pinhole optics while solving the resolution limitation problem and the long exposure time of such systems. The system also can be used as an addition to several existing optical systems, which use visible and invisible light and x-ray systems.

Ultrafast all-optical switching

We present innovative concepts related to the realization of ultrafast optical switches to be used for obtaining all-optical switching. We review the construction and the achievements of Civcom Incorporated during its research and development stages of constructing its ultrafast switch. Experimental measurements are exhibited.