Design of binary-phase diffusers for a compressed sensing snapshot spectral imaging system with two cameras

We propose designs of pupil-domain optical diffusers for a snapshot spectral imaging system using binary-phase encoding. The suggested designs enable the creation of point-spread functions with defined optical response, having profiles that are dependent on incident wavefront wavelength. This efficient combination of dispersive and diffusive optical responses enables us to perform snapshot spectral imaging using compressed sensing algorithms while keeping a high optical throughput alongside a simple fabrication process. Experimental results are reported.

Dual-camera snapshot spectral imaging with a pupil-domain optical diffuser and compressed sensing algorithms

We propose a snapshot spectral imaging method for the visible spectral range using two digital cameras placed side-by-side: a regular red-green-blue (RGB) camera and a monochromatic camera equipped with a dispersive diffractive diffuser placed at the pupil of the imaging lens. While spectral imaging was shown to be feasible using a single monochromatic camera with a pupil diffuser [Appl. Opt.55, 432 (2016)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.55.000432], adding an RGB camera provides more spatial and spectral information for stable reconstruction of the spectral cube of a scene. Results of optical experiments confirm that the combined data from the two cameras relax the complexity of the underdetermined reconstruction problem and improve the reconstructed image quality obtained using compressed sensing-based algorithms.

Combining and collimation of RGB laser beams with transmissive resonance domain diffractive optics

Resonance domain diffractive optical elements for combining RGB laser beams into a single collimated beam were designed, fabricated, and experimentally investigated. The input RGB beams were angular separated up to tens of degrees and set in a nearly Bragg arrangement for high diffraction efficiency. A single resonance domain diffractive lens delivered beam combining and collimation functions with reasonable residue divergence. The resonance domain diffraction grating delivered diffraction-limited residue divergence in combining the collimated RGB beams. Optical experiments with fiber-coupled RGB lasers and e-beam-fabricated beam combiners proved low residue beam divergence, a high polarization extinction ratio, and total measured diffraction efficiency of about 80%.

Multifunctional binary diffractive optical elements for structured light projectors

A set of diffractive optical elements for multiple-stripe structured illumination was designed, fabricated and characterized. Each of these elements with a single layer of binary surface relief combines functions of a diffractive lens, Gaussian-to-tophat beam shaper, and Dammann beam splitter. The optical investigations of laser light patterns at 20° fanout angle reveal up to 88% diffraction efficiency, high contrast, and nearly diffraction limited resolution. The developed technology has the potential for reducing complexity, number of optical components, power consumption and costs of structured light projectors in mobile and stationary 3D sensors.

Resonance-domain diffractive microlens arrays

High-efficiency resonance-domain diffractive microlens arrays with high numerical apertures and 100% fill factor were designed, fabricated, and characterized. Fabricated arrays of eight off-axis microlenses with pitch 127 μm and numerical aperture 0.2 demonstrated diffraction-limited collimation of fiber light at 632.8 nm wavelength. Optical measurements revealed diffraction efficiency exceeding 93%, in match to numerical calculations with rigorous conical diffraction. The resonance-domain diffractive microlens arrays are highly suitable for applications in fiber optics, multispot optical tweezers, optical sensors, and spectrometry.

Mapping of spectral signatures with snapshot spectral imaging

We propose a snapshot spectral imaging method that enables direct reconstruction of spatial maps for spectral signatures of given materials using a monochromatic image sensor. An image-plane array of dispersive shapers converts an aerial image of an object into a tailored mixture of spectral and spatial data that is sensed and digitally processed to reconstruct weight coefficients of the spectral signatures. The feasibility of the method is proven by computer simulations.

Tunable resonance-domain diffraction gratings based on electrostrictive polymers

Critical combination of high diffraction efficiency and large diffraction angles can be delivered by resonance-domain diffractive optics with high aspect ratio and wavelength-scale grating periods. To advance from static to electrically tunable resonance-domain diffraction grating, we resorted to its replication onto 2-5 μm thick P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) electrostrictive ter-polymer membranes. Electromechanical and optical computer simulations provided higher than 90% diffraction efficiency, a large continuous deflection range exceeding 20°, and capabilities for adiabatic spatial modulation of the grating period and slant. A prototype of the tunable resonance-domain diffraction grating was fabricated in a soft-stamp thermal nanoimprinting process, characterized, optically tested, and provided experimental feasibility proof for the tunable sub-micron-period gratings on electrostrictive polymers.

Coherent imaging with a resonance domain diffractive lens in laser light

We investigated coherent imaging with a binary off-axis resonance domain diffractive lens using three lasers in visible wavelengths. The relations between the dispersion of this lens, shape of its point spread function, and spectral properties of these lasers were analyzed theoretically and experimentally. In particular, we measured the point spread function, imaging contrast, and diffraction efficiency. Experimental results proved the feasibility of imaging with low distortion and more than 83% diffraction efficiency in laser light.

Compressed sensing snapshot spectral imaging by a regular digital camera with an added optical diffuser

We propose a spectral imaging method that allows a regular digital camera to be converted into a snapshot spectral imager by equipping the camera with a dispersive diffuser and with a compressed sensing-based algorithm for digital processing. Results of optical experiments are reported.

Chromatic dispersion of a high-efficiency resonance domain diffractive lens

Inherent strong lateral and longitudinal chromatic dispersion of a transmission resonance domain off-axis diffractive lens were studied theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that a 4 mm diameter and 0.14 NA diffractive lens provides both focusing and dispersion with a spectral resolution of up to 0.09 nm, which is suitable for laser line spectral measurements. Experimental results for measured spectra of a mercury-argon source, a helium-neon laser, and RGB laser diodes pave a technological path to compact spectral sensors and microspectrometers.

Design of dense transmission diffraction gratings for high efficiency

We propose a design method for dense surface-relief diffraction gratings with high efficiency in transmission mode. Closed-form analytical relations between diffraction efficiency, polarization, and grating parameters are derived and verified in the resonance domain of diffraction under general three-dimensional angles of incidence traditionally termed conical mounting. A powerful tool for rigorous design of computer-generated holograms and diffractive optical elements with spectroscopic scale periods is now enabled.

Resonance domain surface relief diffractive lens for the visible spectral region

Early expectations for a role of diffractive lenses were dramatically lessened by their high order overlapping foci, low optical powers, and competing advances in refractive micro-optics. By bringing the Bragg properties of volume holograms to diffractive lenses we got rid of ghost diffractive orders and the critical trade-off between diffraction efficiency, number of phase levels, and spatial feature-size. Binary off-axis resonance domain diffractive lens with high numerical aperture of 0.16 was designed with analytical effective grating theory, fabricated by direct e-beam writing, etched in fused silica and experimentally investigated. More than 81% measured diffraction efficiency exceeds twice the limits of thin binary optics.

Novel approach for extending the depth of field of Barcode decoders by using RGB channels of information

A specially designed phase mask embedded in the lens assembly of an imaging system is shown to provide different response in the three major color bands, R, G and B of a detector array. Each channel provides optimal performance for different depth of field regions, such that the three channels jointly provide an imaging system with wide depth of field. The approach is useful in particular for Barcode imagers.

Pupil coding masks for imaging polychromatic scenes with high resolution and extended depth of field

An algorithm for the design of imaging systems with circular symmetry that exhibit high resolution as well as extended depth of field for polychromatic incoherent illumination is presented. The approach provides a significant improvement over a publication [1] where the design was carried for a single wavelength. The approach is based on searching for a binary phase pupil mask that provides imaging with the highest cut-off spatial frequency, while assuring a desired contrast value over a given depth of field. Simulations followed by experimental results are provided.

Diffractive optical elements with porous silicon layers

We investigate the basic chromatic properties of dispersive surface relief diffractive optical elements with porous silicon (PSi) layers. Rigorous and scalar wavelength-dependent diffraction efficiencies are juxtaposed and compared to reflection coefficients of uniform silicon and PSi layers. The application of the device as an enhanced sensor is discussed. A spectral covariance criterion for efficient evaluation of the spectral changes induced by analyte filling the pores is presented. Experimental results for the device reveal an increased spectral selectivity of the diffractively structured PSi layers compared to uniform PSi layers.

Analogy between generalized Coddington equations and thin optical element approximation

Local wavefront curvature transformations at an arbitrarily shaped optical surface are commonly determined by generalized Coddington equations that are developed here via a local thin optical element approximation. Eikonal distributions of the incident and refracted beams are calculated and related by an eikonal transfer function of a local thin optical element located in close proximity to a given point at a tangent plane of an optical surface. Main coefficients and terms involved in the generalized Coddington equations are derived and explained as a local nonparaxial generalization for the customary paraxial wavefront transformations.

Spectral multiplexing method for digital snapshot spectral imaging

We propose a spectral imaging method for piecewise "macropixel" objects, which allows a regular digital camera to be converted into a digital snapshot spectral imager by equipping the camera with only a disperser and a demultiplexing algorithm. The method exploits a "multiplexed spectrum" intensity pattern, i.e., the superposition of spectra from adjacent different image points, formed on the image sensor of the digital camera. The spatial image resolution is restricted to a macropixel level in order to acquire both spectral and spatial data (i.e., an entire spectral cube) in a single snapshot. Results of laboratory experiments with a special macropixel object image, composed of small, spatially uniform squares, provide to our knowledge a first verification of the proposed spectral imaging method.

Mode-matched phase diffractive optical element for detecting laser modes with spiral phases

A new type of diffractive optical element for detecting and measuring the power distribution of transverse modes emanating from radially symmetric laser resonators is presented. It is based on a relatively simple straightforward design of a phase-only diffractive optical element that serves as a matched filter, which correlates between specific prerecorded transverse modes with a certain azimuthal mode order and those in the incident laser light. Computer simulations supported by experimental results demonstrate how such elements can accurately detect modes with spiral phases and provide quantitative results on the modal power distribution.

Analytic design and solutions for resonance domain diffractive optical elements

A model for designing and analyzing complicated surface relief diffractive elements in the resonance domain is developed. It is based on subdividing the complicated diffractive element into many highly efficient local diffraction gratings whose surface relief modulations can be effectively characterized as slanted volume gratings for which closed form analytic solutions exist. The model is illustrated by finding in the resonance domain the local period, effective slant angle, and groove depth at each location on an off-axis cylindrical diffractive lens.

Extended focus diffractive optical element for Gaussian laser beams

The depth of focus of the Gaussian beam is extended by introducing a wavefront phase correction with properly designed diffractive optical elements. Results of the computer simulations show that, compared with other methods, the presented method demonstrates a reduced focal spot size and low sidelobes in a focal domain, within a considerable range of defocusing distances. Experimental results for the visible range diffractive optical element with a focus of 40 mm and a depth of focus that extends to 1 mm agree with the theory.

Effective grating theory for resonance domain surface-relief diffraction gratings

An effective grating model, which generalizes effective-medium theory to the case of resonance domain surface-relief gratings, is presented. In addition to the zero order, it takes into account the first diffraction order, which obeys the Bragg condition. Modeling the surface-relief grating as an effective grating with two diffraction orders provides closed-form analytical relationships between efficiency and grating parameters. The aspect ratio, the grating period, and the required incidence angle that would lead to high diffraction efficiencies are predicted for TE and TM polarization and verified by rigorous numerical calculations.

Relative rates for plasma homo- and copolymerizations of olefins in a homologous series of fluorinated ethylenes

It is well known that the rate of plasma polymerization, or deposition rate, of a given monomer depends on various plasma process parameters, e.g., monomer flow rate, pressure, power, frequency (DC, rf or microwave), location of the substrate in the reactor, reactor geometry or configuration, and temperature. In contrast, little work has been done to relate deposition rates to monomer structures for a homologous series of monomers where the rates are obtained under identical plasma process parameters. For the particular series of fluorinated ethylenes (C2HxF4-x; x = 0-4), deposition rates were reported for ethylene (ET), vinyl fluoride, vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), but for plasma polymerizations carried out under different discharge conditions, e.g., pressure, current density, and electrode temperature. Apparently, relative deposition rates were reported for only two members of that series (ET, x = 4, and TFE, x = 0) for which the plasma polymerizations were conducted under identical conditions. We now present relative deposition rates for both homopolymerizations and copolymerizations of the entire series of fluorinated ethylenes (x = 0-4). Our interest in such rates stems from prior work on the plasma copolymerization of ET and TFE in which it was found that the deposition rates for the plasma copolymers, when plotted versus mol % TFE in the ET/TFE feed stock, followed a concave-downward curve situated above the straight line joining the deposition rates for the plasma homopolymers. This type of plot (observed also for an argon-ET/TFE plasma copolymerization) indicated a positive interaction between ET and TFE such that each monomer apparently "sensitized" the plasma copolymerization of the other. Since the shape of that plot is not altered if mol % TFE is replaced by F/C, the fluorine-to-carbon ratio, this paper aims (1) to show how the relative deposition rates for plasma copolymers drawn from all pairs of monomers in the C2HxF4-x series, as well as the deposition rates for the individual plasma homopolymers, vary with F/C ratios of the monomers or monomer blends, and (2) to see if those rates give rise to a common plot.

Investigation of computer-generated diffractive beam shapers for flattening of single-modal CO(2) laser beams

A full cycle was realized of the photolithographic development and detailed testing of a diffractive optical element that transforms the diverging Gaussian beams of CO(2) lasers into a uniformly filled-in rectangle. The zone feature size of the beam shaper, the diffractive efficiency and accuracy, the focus depth, and the stability with respect to the size and the divergence of incident Gaussian beams are studied by computer modeling. Calculated flattop intensity distributions are presented in the same form of gray-level pictures and three-dimensional plots as the corresponding results measured by an IR camera.

Waste streams in a crewed space habitat II

A compilation of generation rates and chemical compositions of potential waste streams in a typical crewed space habitat, reported in a prior NASA Technical Memorandum and a related journal article, has been updated. This paper augments that compilation by the inclusion of the following new data: those uncovered since completion of the prior report; those obtained from Soviet literature relevant to life support issues; and those for various minor human body wastes not presented previously (saliva, flatus, hair, finger- and toenails, dried skin and skin secretions, tears and semen), but included here for purposes of completeness. These waste streams complement those discussed previously: toilet waste (urine, feces, etc.), hygiene water (laundry, shower/handwash, dishwash water and cleansing agents), trash, humidity condensate, perspiration and respiration water, trace contaminants and dust generation. This paper also reproduces the latest information on the environmental control and life support system design parameters for Space Station Freedom.

Waste streams in a crewed space habitat

A compilation of generation rates and chemical compositions of potential waste streams in a typical crewed space habitat was made in connection with the waste-management aspect of NASA's Physical/Chemical Closed-Loop Life Support Program. Waste composition definitions are needed for the design of waste-processing technologies involved in closing major life support functions in future, long-duration, human space missions. Data for the constituents and chemical formulae of the following waste streams are presented and/or discussed: human urine, feces, hygiene (laundry and shower) water, cleansing agents, trash, humidity condensate, dried sweat, and trace contaminants. Data on dust generation are also presented and discussed.