Abstract: Abstract In this paper we introduce a simple diffractive optics technique to improve images distorted by propagating through an inhomogeneous medium. Diffractive elements are used to generate a series of slightly displaced overlapping replicas of the incoming wavefront which produces a local averaging of the field. We propose two different configurations depending on whether the field aberration is produced before or after (or in the pass through) the focussing or imaging optics. Furthermore, the aberration correction is achieved without the need of prior wavefront sensing or complex active compensating elements in contrast to adaptive optics (AO) and holographic techniques. Both numerical simulations and laboratory experiments show that the different kinds of proposed diffractive masks (DMs) (amplitude and phase) work efficiently in the two configurations. Since this technique is particularly suitable for compensating the highest spatial frequencies it seems to be appropriate to be combined with AO systems.

Authorship

Download reference