Let there be diffused light: Novel methods for object wavefront reconstruction

Abstract

A review of the basic principles of the two main approaches to wavefront reconstruction, namely, holography and phase retrieval is initially presented. Related applications and techniques developed are highlighted: from localization of circuit defects to human femur loading, from film to digital holograms, from single-color to multi-color reconstructions, and from complicated to simpler reconstruction setups. Attention is then drawn towards the state of the art in phase retrieval and the problem of insignificant diversity in the case of smooth test wavefronts. Developed solutions based on the use of diffused light to achieve diversity are presented and a method for deterministic speckle phase retrieval is proposed with some experimental results.