Three-dimensional matching by use of phase-only holographic information and the Wigner distribution

Matching of three-dimensional (3-D) objects is achieved by Wigner analysis of the correlation pattern between the phase-only holographic information of a reference object and that of a target object. First, holographic information on the reference object and on the target object is extracted by use of optical scanning holography as a form of electrical signal. This electrical information is then stored in a computer for digital processing. In the digital computer, the correlation between the phase-only information of the hologram of the reference object and that of the target object is calculated and analyzed by use of a Wigner distribution. The Wigner distribution yields a space-frequency map of the correlation pattern that indicates whether the 3-D image of the target object matches that of the reference object. When the 3-D image of the target object matches that of the reference abject, the Wigner distribution gives a well-defined line that directly indicates the 3-D location of the matched target object. Optical experiments with digital processing are described to demonstrate the proposed matching technique. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America [S0740-3232(00)02212-2] OCIS codes: 090.0090, 100.5010, 110.6880.