Miscellanous Papers

Computerized interferometric surface measurements [invited]

The addition of electronics, computers, and software to interferometry has enabled enormous improvements in optical metrology. This paper discusses four areas in which computerized interferometric measurement improvements have been made in the measurement of surface shape and surface roughness: (a)Â The use of computer-generated holograms for the testing of aspheric optics, (b)Â phase-shifting interferometry for getting interferometric data into a computer so the data can be analyzed, (c)Â computerized interference microscopes, including multiple-wavelength and coherence scanning, for the precision measurement of surface microstructure, and (d)Â vibration-insensitive dynamic interferometers for enabling precise measurements in noncontrolled environments.

Evolution of an Editor

A commemorative editorial for the 50th anniversary of Applied Optics from former editor-in-chief, James C. Wyant.

Development and applications of array microscope technology

The microscopy tradeoff between high-resolution and large-area imaging is eliminated
by the use of an array microscope. We describe a system with 80 microscope objectives
developed for scanning 30 microscope slides/hour at 54,045 dpi.

Use of webMathematica for optics training over the web

webMathematica provides a good mathematical and graphical mechanism for using a web browser to study optics problems over the internet. Techniques for using web Mathematica to study interference, Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, polarization, and Seidel and Zernike aberration will be described and illustrated. (See Mathematica).

High-gain holographic screens

A high-gain screen can be made as a sandwich of a hologram and a retroreflective screen material. When a hologram is used in front of the screen instead of the screen material alone, the position of high-brightness viewing can be moved to any desired angle rather than being directed back along the projection beam.

Use of a symbolic math system to solve polarized light problems

The use of a symbolic math system, muMATH-79, to solve polarized light problems is described. The problems are setup using Jones calculus, and muMATH running on a Z-80 microprocessor multiplies out the Jones matrices and simplifies the final algebraic expressions. Only a minimal amount of operator interaction with the microcomputer is required. Several examples are given.

Fringe localization

  • James C. Wyant
  • APPLIED OPTICS, Vol. 17, page 1853, June 15,1978
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Real-time optical subtraction of photographic imagery for difference detection

Interferometric techniques described in this paper permit real-time optical image subtraction of two input transparencies without the necessity of intermediate processing steps (e.g., holograms or contact-print transparencies). These interferometric techniques allow the use of a white-light source as well as an extended light source, small input-collimator optics, and optical components with minimal requirements on wavefront quality. Experimental results with NASA LANDSAT (formerly ERTS) photographs are presented.

On-axis coherent optical feedback system for image processing

  • Poohsan N. Tamura and James C. Wyant
  • Proc. SPIE Vol. 74: 57-61, 1976
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Coherent optical feedback systems always use a pair of tilted mirrors that physically separate the forward path and the feedback path, one of which is at an off-axis position. This paper introduces an on-axis configuration with two parallel mirrors. The application of the system to contrast enhancement and image restoration is presented.

Rotating Diffraction Grating Laser Beam Scanner

  • J. C. Wyant
  • APPLIED OPTICS, Vol. 14, page 1057, May 1975
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