In prior work, we demonstrate optical correlation via dynamic range compression in two-beam coupling using
thin-film organic materials. In this paper, we continue the effort; characterize the performance of this correlator
for variety of input. We successfully demonstrated correlation results almost free of cross- correlation and noise
for extremely complicated noisy image were the signal image consist of several targets and reference image
superposed of many templates.
In prior work, we exploited the nonlinearity inherent in four-wave mixing in organic photorefractive materials for
adaptive filtering. In this paper, we extend our work further and demonstrate new applications which involve:
dislocation, scratches and defect enhancement. With the availability of the organic photorefractive materials with
large space-bandwidth product, it should open the possibility of using the adaptive filtering techniques in quality
control systems.
In this paper, we present simulation results pertaining to our broadband solid-state optically and electrically pumped THz
source design. Our design consists of a thin layer of dielectric sandwiched between a nano-grating and a thin film, such
as metal, semiconductor, or high electron mobility material. By passing a DC current through the lower layer, a THz
emission will be radiated from the nano-grating. We demonstrate preliminary current injection effects on surface
plasmons propagating on this device utilizing known analytical surface plasmon formulas and COMSOL Multiphysics
finite element analysis software.
In this paper, we demonstrate optical correlation via dynamic range compression in two-beam coupling using thin-film
organic materials. In contrast to the first demonstration, in which it was not possible to demonstrate correlation with
complicated input, here we demonstrate correlation with extremely challenging cases involving finger prints, images in
clutter, and SAR images. Our correlation results outperform many correlation results, including ones based on optimal
filters.
Imaging in atmospheric turbulence and target recognition in cluttered environments have been research topics for many
years. Currently, there are some well-established techniques for image restoration and recognition; however, if the
atmospheric turbulence becomes a severe scattering medium and the surrounding environment is very cluttered, most
conventional methods, such as inverse filtering and Wiener filtering, will be inadequate for correcting and recognizing
the captured images. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate nonlinear dynamic range compression techniques for
image restoration and correlation via two-beam coupling and four wave mixing in organic photorefractive films.
In this paper, we exploit the nonlinearity inherent in four-wave mixing in organic photorefractive materials and demonstrate edge enhancement, contrast conversion, and defect enhancement in a periodic structure. With the availability of these materials, which have large space-bandwidth products, edge enhancement, contrast conversion and defect enhancement are possible. Some simulation results also are provided.
In this paper, we present a design for a widely tunable solid-state optically and electrically pumped THz laser based on
the Smith-Purcell free-electron laser. In the free-electron laser, an energetic electron beam pumps a metallic grating to
generate surface plasmons. Our solid-state optically pumped design consists of a thin layer of dielectic, such as SiNx,
sandwiched between a corrugated structure and a thin metal or semiconductor layer. The lower layer is for current
streaming, and replaces the electron beam in the original design. The upper layer consists of one micro-grating for
coupling the electromagnetic field in, another for coupling out, and a nano-grating for coupling with the current in the
lower layer for electromagnetic field generation. The surface plasmon waves generated from the upper layer by an
external electromagnetic field, and the lower layer by the applied current, are coupled. Emission enhancement occurs
when the plasmonic waves in both layers are resonantly coupled.
In this paper, we propose a design for a widely tunable solid-state optically and electrically pumped THz source based
on the Smith-Purcell free-electron laser. Our design consists of a thin dielectric layer sandwiched between an upper
corrugated structure and a lower layer of thin metal, semiconductor, or high electron mobility material. The lower layer
is for current streaming, which replaces the electron beam in the Smith-Purcell free-electron laser design. The upper
layer consists of two micro-gratings for optical pumping, and a nano-grating to couple with electrical pumping in the
lower layer. The optically generated surface plasmon waves from the upper layer and the electrically induced surface
plasmon waves from the lower layer are then coupled. Emission enhancement occurs when the plasmonic waves in both
layers are resonantly coupled.
In this paper, we exploit the nonlinearity inherent in four-wave mixing in organic photorefractive materials and
demonstrate edge enhancement, contrast conversion, and defect enhancement in a periodic structure. With the
availability of these materials, which have large space-bandwidth products, edge enhancement, contrast conversion and
defect enhancement are possible.
In this paper we demonstrate image restoration via photorefractive two-beam coupling. Our restoration is based on
coupling between the joint spectra of the distortion impulse response and the distorted image, and the clean reference
beam. The image restoration is used to demonstrate one-way image transmission in an aberrating medium. Our
experimental demonstration is supported by theoretical modeling of the restoration process and by computer modeling.
In this paper, we present a design for a widely tunable solid-state optically and electrically pumped THz laser based on
the Smith-Purcell free-electron laser. In the free-electron laser, an energetic electron beam pumps a metallic grating to
generate surface plasmons. Our solid-state optically pumped design consists of a thin layer of dielectic, such as SiNx,
sandwiched between a corrugated structure and a thin metal or semiconductor layer. The lower layer is for current
streaming, and replaces the electron beam in the original design. The upper layer consists of one micro-grating for
coupling the electromagnetic field in, another for coupling out, and a nano-grating for coupling with the current in the
lower layer for electromagnetic field generation. The surface plasmon waves generated from the upper layer by an
external electromagnetic field, and the lower layer by the applied current, are coupled. Emission enhancement occurs when the plasmonic waves in both layers are resonantly coupled.
We have developed a differential interpolation method for correcting sinusoidally scanned distorted images. In our
approach, the scanned image is processed by a line-by-line interpolation technique based on differentiation. As a natural
consequence of the method, the image can be divided into four domains/zones perpendicular to the scan direction. The
domain boundaries are set by our interpolation algorithm. Each domain is corrected using its specific algorithm;
corrected domains are reassembled to construct the corrected image. The implementation of this algorithm shows that,
for our 100 pixel wide test image, it is possible to retrieve at least 97.45% of the original image, as measured by the
recovered energy, which is superior to the established methods we have applied to this problem.
We are in the process of developing an all optically driven, deformable mirror device through the
integration of an array of photodetectors with an array of MEMS deformable mirror devices. In this
paper we demonstrate the optical actuation of a single-pixel, deformable-mirror MEMS device
through a direct cascade with a photodetector. Deformation is quasilinear at low light intensities, and
saturates at higher intensities. We also describe the fabrication of an integrated device consisting of
an all optically addressed deformable-mirror MEMS suspended over a p-i-n photodetector. Initial
demonstration of optical actuation of the deformable mirror using the newly integrated device is also
presented. We have fabricated several membrane materials, membrane structures, and photodetector
arrays.
Nonlinear information processing via two-beam coupling using thin-film organic
photorefractive material is demonstrated. The organic material is found to possess superior response
time and resolution compared to photorefractive bulk material. The possibility of designing dynamic
range compression deconvolution for restoring blurred images embedded in a noisy environment is
also demonstrated.
A generic nonlinear dynamic range compression deconvolver (DRCD) is proposed. We have performed the dynamic
range compression deconvolution using three forms of nonlinearities: (a) digital implementation- A-law/μ-law, (b)
hybrid digital-optical implementation- two-beam coupling photorefractive holography, and (c) all optical
implementation- MEMS deformable mirrors. The performance of image restoration improves as the saturation
nonlinearity increases. The DRCD could be used as a preprocessor for enhancing Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)
system performance. In imaging through atmosphere, factors such as rain, snow, haze, pollution, etc. affect the received
information from a target; therefore the need for correcting these captured images before an ATR system is required. The
DRCD outperforms well-established image restoration filters such as the inverse and the Wiener filters.
KEYWORDS: Scattering, Image enhancement, Signal to noise ratio, Image compression, Synthetic aperture radar, Interference (communication), Laser scattering, Energy efficiency, Signal detection, Signal processing
Synthetic radar image recognition is an area of interest for military applications including automatic target recognition,
air traffic control, and remote sensing. Here a dynamic range compression two-beam coupling joint transform correlator
for detecting synthetic aperture radar (SAR) targets is utilized. The joint input image consists of a pre-power-law,
enhanced scattering center of the input image and a linearly synthesized power-law enhanced scattering center template.
Enhancing the scattering center of both the synthetic template and the input image furnishes the conditions for achieving
dynamic range compression correlation in two-beam coupling. Dynamic range compression: (a) enhances the signal to
noise ratio, (b) enhances the high frequencies relative to low frequencies, and (c) converts the noise to high frequency
components. This improves the correlation peak intensity to the mean of the surrounding noise significantly. Dynamic
range compression correlation has already been demonstrated to outperform many optimal correlation filters in detecting
signals in severe noise environments. The performance is evaluated via established metrics, such as peak-to-correlation
energy (PCE), Horner efficiency and correlation peak intensity. The results showed significant improvement as the
power increased.
A generic nonlinear dynamic range compression deconvolver (DRCD) is proposed. We have performed the dynamic
range compression deconvolution using three forms of nonlinearities: (a) digital implementation- A-law/μ-law, (b)
hybrid digital-optical implementation- two-beam coupling photorefractive holography, and (c) all optical
implementation- MEMS deformable mirrors. The performance of image restoration improves as the saturation
nonlinearity increases. The DRCD could be used as a preprocessor for enhancing Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)
system performance. In imaging through atmosphere, factors such as rain, snow, haze, pollution, etc. affect the received
information from a target; therefore the need for correcting these captured images before an ATR system is required. The
DRCD outperforms well-established image restoration filters such as the inverse and the Wiener filters.
We propose using the smart antenna principle as the basis of a new design for smart optical receivers in LADAR
systems. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of designing a LADAR system with a receiver consisting of an array of
photodetectors, which leads to field-of-view enhancement and beamforming by fusing streams of video information
received from the detectors. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate this design by fusing several video information
streams from different fields of view using our Mathworks Simulink® model. The fusion algorithm uses the fuzzy logic
maximum operation on the data output from the cameras.
A power-law correlation based on an inverse filter Fourier-Radon-transform synthetic discriminant function (SDF) for
facial recognition is proposed. In order to avoid spectral overlap and nonlinear crosstalk, superposition of rotationally
variant sets of inverse filter Fourier-transformed Radon-processed templates is used to generate the SDF. For the inverse
filter, the Fourier transform of M projections (Radon Transform) from one training image is combined with (N-1) M
Fourier transform of M projections taken from another N-1 training image. This synthetic SDF filter has a very high
discrimination capability; however, it is not noise robust. To overcome this problem, a power-law dynamic range
compression is added to the correlation process. The proposed filter has three advantages: (1) high discrimination
capability as an inverse filter, (2) noise robustness due to dynamic range compression, and (3) crosstalk-free nonlinear
processing. The filter performance was evaluated by established metrics, such as peak-to-correlation energy (PCE),
Horner efficiency, and correlation-peak intensity. The results showed significant improvement as the power-law filter
compression increased.
In this paper, the fabrication, modeling and characterization of an all optically addressed spring patterned silicon-nitride
deformable mirror Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) device is reported. This device is biased through
combinations of high frequency AC and DC voltages. The experimentally verified theoretical modeling for this device
shows mirror deflection saturation as a function of light intensity appropriate for dynamic range compression
deconvolution. It was experimentally verified that the spring MEMS deformable mirror device has response up to 10
MHz, which opens the possibility of correcting supersonic turbulence as well as atmospheric turbulence.
We propose dynamic range compression deconvolution by a new nonlinear optical limiter micro-electro-mechanical system (NOLMEMS) device. The NOLMEMS uses aperturized, reflected coherent light from optically addressed, parabolically deformable mirrors. The light is collimated by an array of micro-lenses. The reflected light saturates as a function of optical drive intensity. In this scheme, a joint image of the blurred input information and the blur impulse response is captured and sent to a spatial light modulator (SLM). The joint information on the SLM is read through a laser beam and is Fourier transformed by a lens to the back of the NOLMEMS device. The output from the NOLMEMS is Fourier transformed to produce the restored image. We derived the input-output nonlinear transfer function of our NOLMEMS device, which relates the transmitted light from the pinhole to the light intensity incident on the back side of the device, and exhibits saturation. We also analyzed the deconvolution orders for this device, using a nonlinear transform method. Computer simulation of image deconvolution by the NOLMEMS device is also presented.
In this paper the A-law/μ-law Dynamic Range Compression algorithm used in telecommunication systems is proposed
for the first time for nonlinear Dynamic Range Compression image deconvolution. In the proposed setup, a joint image
of the blurred input information and the blur impulse response are jointly Fourier-transformed via a lens to a CCD
camera which acts as a square-law receiver. The CCD camera is responsible for mixing the Fourier transforms of the
impulse response and the distorted image to compensate for the phase distortion and then the A-law/μ-law nonlinear
transformation is responsible for enhancing both the high frequencies and the signal-to-noise ratio. The proposed
technique is supported by computer simulation.
We have developed a spatial demultiplexing/multiplexing algorithm for correcting sinusoidally scanned distorted images. In our approach, the scanned image is demultiplexed into equal spatial slots (strips) perpendicular to the scan direction. Each spatial slot is interpolated through either an oversampling or an undersampling algorithm, depending upon its location. The interpolated spatial slots are multiplexed to reconstruct the corrected image. The implementation of this algorithm shows that, for our 100-pixel-wide test image, depending upon the slot size, it is possible to retrieve at least 99% of the original image, as measured by the recovered energy.
We have developed a mapping algorithm for correcting sinusoidally scanned images from their distortions. Our algorithm is based on the close relationship between linear and sinusoidal scanning. Straightforward implementation of this algorithm showed that the mapped image has either missing lines or redundant lines. The missing lines were filled by fusing the mapped image with its median-filtered or interpolated version. The implementation of this algorithm shows that it is possible to retrieve up to 98% of the original image (depending on the algorithm used for data fusion) as measured by the recovered energy. Excellent correction was obtained for both simulated scanned images and actual images from a scanning laser radar system.
We propose a design of diffractive and refractive optical corrective elements with zooming capability for linearizing the angular scan of a resonant mirror scanner. Considering the symmetry requirements of the refractive element a graded index of refraction and its binary amplitude version are designed based on phase lag (beam retardation due to propagation through an inhomogeneous media). The design takes the beam diameter into consideration making it robust against beam fanning.
In this paper we demonstrate the first optical actuation of a single-pixel, deformable-mirror MEMS device through a
direct cascade with a photodetector. Photovoltaic, p-i-n, and avalanche photodetectors were successfully utilized. Mirror
deformations were monitored by interferometry. Deformation is quasilinear at low light intensities, and saturates at
higher intensities. Actuation at picowatt light intensities has been accomplished by cascading with an avalanche
photodetector. We also describe the fabrication of an integrated device consisting of an all optically addressed
deformable-mirror MEMS suspended over a p-i-n photodetector. Initial demonstration of optical actuation of the
deformable mirror using the newly integrated device is also presented.
We have developed a mapping algorithm for correcting sinusoidally scanned images from their distortions. Our algorithm is based on an approximate relationship between linear and sinusoidal scanning. Straightforward implementation of this algorithm showed that the mapped image has either missing lines or redundant lines. The missing
lines were filled by fusing the mapped image with its median filtered version. The implementation of this algorithm shows that it is possible to retrieve up to 96.43% of the original image, as measured by the recovered energy.
In this paper we propose a new operational mechanism for an optically addressed deformable mirror device. The device consists of a pixilated metallized membrane mirror supported above an optically addressed photoconductive substrate. A conductive transparent conductive electrode is deposited on the backside of the substrate. A DC bias is applied between the membrane and the back electrode of the device accompanied with very high frequency modulated light. The membrane is deformed when light is shone from the backside of the device. This occurs due to impedance and bias redistribution between the two cascaded impedances.
During the last decade we have extended the implementation of companding techniques in communication theory to apply to improve image processing in several optical systems by using implementations using nonlinear optical media. In this paper we introduce a photorefractive two-beam-coupling deconvolution using spatially-variable dynamic spectral compression. Resolution recovery of blurred noisy images is demonstrated for several different type of image blur.
We propose and demonstrate a photorefractive real-time holographic deconvolution technique for adaptive one-way image transmission through aberrating media. In contrast with preceding methods, which have typically required various coding of the exact phase or two-way image transmission for correcting phase distortion, our technique relies on one-way image transmission using exact phase information. Our technique can simultaneously correct both amplitude and phase distortions. We demonstrate our results through both experiment and computer simulation for different aberrators.
In a previous publication we introduced a new photorefractive four-wave mixing deconvolution, FWMD, image correction approach for achieving one-way image transmission through an aberrating medium. In this paper we extend our work to include additional image degradations and more test cases. We characterize the performance as a function of the input beam ratios for four metrics: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), normalized mean-square-error (NMSE), edge restoration (ER), and the peak-to-total energy ratio (PTE). In our characterization we color-code the best beam-intensity ratio 2D region(s) for each of the above metrics. Test cases are simulated at the optimal values of the beam-intensity ratios.
This paper analyzes the operation of a new optically addressed deformable mirror device for applications in adaptive optics and optical signal processing. Device operation utilizes a pixellated metallized polymeric membrane mirror supported above an optically addressed photoconductive substrate. A grid of patterned photoresist supports the metallized membrane. A conductive ZnO layer is placed on the backside of the substrate. The device operates as an impedance distribution between two cascaded impedances between the deformable membrane and substrate and the substrate and back electrode. We develop a theoretical model to analyze the deformation as a function of the light intensity and electrical drive
The fabrication and characterization of an optically addressable deformable mirror for spatial light modulator is described. Device operation utilizes an electrostatically driven pixellated aluminized polymeric membrane mirror supported above an optically controlled photoconductive GaAs substrate. A 5-μm thick grid of patterned photoresist supports the 2-μm thick aluminized Mylar membrane. A conductive ZnO layer is placed on the backside of the GaAs wafer. Similar devices were also fabricated with InP. A standard Michelson interferometer is used to measure mirror deformation data as a function of illumination, applied voltage and frequency. A simplified analysis of device operation is also presented.
We propose and are in the process of progressively implementing an improved architecture for a laser based system to acquire intensity and range images of hard targets in real-time. The system design emphasizes the use of low power laser sources in conjunction with optical preamplification of target return signals to maintain eye safety without incurring the associated performance penalty. The design leverages advanced fiber optic component technology developed for the commercial market to achieve compactness and low power consumption without the high costs and long lead times associated with custom military devices. All important system parameters are designed to be configured in the field, by the user, in software, allowing for adaptive reconfiguration for different missions and targets. Recently we have started our transition from the initial test bed, using a laser in the visible wavelength, into the final system with a 1550nm diode laser. Currently we are able to acquire and display 3-D false-color and gray-scale images, in the laboratory, at moderate frame rates in real-time. Commercial off-the-shelf data acquisition and signal processing software on a desktop computer equipped with commercial acquisition hardware is utilized. Significant improvements in both range and spatial resolution are expected in the near future.
We propose and demonstrate a photorefractive real-time holographic deconvolution technique for adaptive one-way image transmission through aberrating media. In contrast with preceding methods, which have typically required various coding of the exact phase or two way image transmission for correcting phase distortion, our technique relies on one-way image transmission through using exact phase information. Our technique can simultaneously correct both amplitude and phase distortions and provide substantial noise filtering. The nonlinearity of the photorefractive medium also helps to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). And is thus superior to previous methods. We demonstrate our results through both experiment and computer simulation for different aberrators.
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