High contrast imaging through turbid media using Fourier filtering and phase retrieval algorithm

Abstract: Fourier filtering is a powerful technique to improve the contrast when imaging through turbid media. However, the trade-off between contrast and spatial resolution is a long-standing issue that limits the Fourier filtering technique to low spatial resolution requirements. This report circumvents this trade-off by combining several high contrast but low spatial resolution images into one high spatial resolution, high contrast image using a phase retrieval algorithm. The high contrast, low resolution images were obtained in two methods; rotating an asymmetric Fourier filter and translating a symmetric pinhole filter across the Fourier domain. The former approach, when combined with the phase retrieval algorithm, successfully constructed a high spatial resolution, high contrast image through an optical density of OD = 13.7. The problem with this technique is its temporal sluggishness as several images need to be captured and then processed to form one high resolution image making it difficult to use for fast moving object e.g. Combustion sprays. Here, I propose a new technique called Phase Retrieval Algorithm for Multiple Exposures (PhRAME) which is an instantaneous method to capture all the required images for the phase retrieval algorithm by utilising an ultra-fast imaging technique called Frequency Recognition Algorithm for Multiple Exposures (FRAME). FRAME captures several images in one exposure allowing different spatial frequencies to be captured with the same high contrast in each image. These images are then combined via the phase retrieval algorithm into one high contrast, high spatial resolution image. While this report doesn't demonstrate the working of PhRAME, it demonstrates an intermediately step, that FRAME and the phase retrieval algorithm work in tandem.