Example embodiments relate to methods and devices for generating (quasi-) periodic interference patterns. One embodiment includes a method for generating an interference pattern using multi-beam interference of electromagnetic radiation. The method includes computing a set of grid points in a complex plane representing a grid with a desired symmetry. The method also includes selecting a radius of a virtual circle. Additionally, the method includes selecting a set of grid points in the complex plane that lies on the virtual circle centered around a virtual center point. Further, the method includes associating an argument of each grid point of the selected set of grid points in the complex plane with a propagation direction of plane waves or quasi plane waves or parallel wave fronts. In addition, the method includes obtaining the interference pattern that is a superposition of the plane waves or quasi plane waves or parallel wave fronts.

Conformal imaging vibrometer using adaptive optics with scene-based wave front sensing. An extended object is located at the first end of a link, and a reference-free, adaptive optical, conformal imaging vibrometer using scene-based wave front sensing is located at the second end of the link. An aberrated, free space or guided-wave path exists between the ends of the link. The adaptive optical system compensates for path distortions. Using a single interrogation beam, whole-body vibrations of opaque and reflective objects can be probed, as well as transparent and translucent objects, the latter pair employing a Zernike heterodyne interferometer.

A quantitative phase image generating method for a microscope, includes: irradiating an object with illumination light; disposing a focal point of an objective lens at each of a plurality of positions that are mutually separated by gaps Δz along an optical axis of the objective lens, and detecting light from the object; generating sets of light intensity distribution data corresponding to each of the plurality of positions based upon the detected light; and generating a quantitative phase image based upon the light intensity distribution data; wherein the gap Δz is set based upon setting information of the microscope.

Quantitative phase gradient microscopes (QPGM) using metasurface layers including birefringent lenses are disclosed. The birefringent lenses are manufactured by patterning nanoposts on two different transparent substrates or on opposite sides of the same transparent substrate. Methods to generate phase gradient images (PGI) of objects using the described devices are also disclosed.

Example embodiments relate to methods and devices for generating (quasi-) periodic interference patterns. One embodiment includes a method for generating an interference pattern using multi-beam interference of electromagnetic radiation. The method includes computing a set of grid points in a complex plane representing a grid with a desired symmetry. The method also includes selecting a radius of a virtual circle. Additionally, the method includes selecting a set of grid points in the complex plane that lies on the virtual circle centered around a virtual center point. Further, the method includes associating an argument of each grid point of the selected set of grid points in the complex plane with a propagation direction of plane waves or quasi plane waves or parallel wave fronts. In addition, the method includes obtaining the interference pattern that is a superposition of the plane waves or quasi plane waves or parallel wave fronts.

A quantitative phase image generating method for a microscope, includes: irradiating an object with illumination light; disposing a focal point of an objective lens at each of a plurality of positions that are mutually separated by gaps z along an optical axis of the objective lens, and detecting light from the object; generating sets of light intensity distribution data corresponding to each of the plurality of positions based upon the detected light; and generating a quantitative phase image based upon the light intensity distribution data; wherein the gap z is set based upon setting information of the microscope.

Quantitative phase gradient microscopes (QPGM) using metasurface layers including birefringent lenses are disclosed. The birefringent lenses are manufactured by patterning nanoposts on two different transparent substrates or on opposite sides of the same transparent substrate. Methods to generate phase gradient images (PGI) of objects using the described devices are also disclosed.

A quantitative phase image generating method for a microscope, includes: irradiating an object with illumination light; disposing a focal point of an objective lens at each of a plurality of positions that are mutually separated by gaps z along an optical axis of the objective lens, and detecting light from the object; generating sets of light intensity distribution data corresponding to each of the plurality of positions based upon the detected light; and generating a quantitative phase image based upon the light intensity distribution data; wherein the gap z is set based upon setting information of the microscope.

An optical system for determining the optical phase of an object of interest located at an input plane of the system. The system may include a variable-focus optical imaging system for creating an image of the object of interest at an output plane of the imaging system. An optical detector may be provided at the output plane for receiving the image of the object. A controller may be operably connected to the vari-focal element to adjust the optical power of the variable-focus optical imaging system. The controller may also be configured to create a plurality of defocused images of the object at the output plane and be connected to the detector to capture each of the plurality of defocused images.

The present disclosure provides a visualization system for performing optimized optical coherence tomography (OCT) by determining the absolute distance between the OCT source and a sample. The present disclosure also provides a method for optimizing OCT, which includes determining an absolute distance between the OCT source and a sample using data relating to the focal length or position of an autofocus imager lens.