Three-dimensional image processing and optical scanning holography

The development of a two-pupil optical heterodyne scanning image processor with the use of Optical Scanning Holography (OSH) are discussed. The dimensional imaging properties in terms of the two pupils are developed and subsequently 3D point-spread functions (PSF) are derived. The developed PSF are compared with those obtained with conventional 3D image processing. A 3D imaging theory for the two-pupil optical heterodyne scanning image processor is developed and it is shown that the 3D imaging properties of the processor can be expressed in terms of the two pupils in the system. The theory is applicable to dilute transparent 3D objects or diffusely reflecting surfaces without shadowing. The processor can be used to process 3D objects coherently or incoherently, depending on the detection scheme used. Some important mathematical developments in 3D image processing and optical scanning holography through a two-pupil optical system are also done.