Imaging through macroscopic scattering media using time of flight and laser based imaging

Abstract

In this research project we will study methods to better collect and use optical information to reconstruct images of objects obscured by scattering materials. Scattering materials such as fog, clouds, water, or – in medical imaging – human tissue provide fundamental challenges to an optical imaging system. Many state-of-the-art imaging methods, such as gated viewing, aim to remove scattered light from the imaging process so an image can be created on the sensor using a lens as it is in a regular camera. This approach is not optimal since it relies on removing much of the information that is in the light arriving at the detection system. We will develop a framework to design devices that capture relevant physical information from scattered light and use this information to computationally reconstruct information about the obscured scene. This project includes the conception of new physical capture devices that collect relevant information about the object that is not available to a state-of-the-art gated camera along with the creation of reconstruction algorithms to create images from this new data. We will apply this approach in three concrete examples with specific experimental aims. To achieve these aims we will implement a methodology for computational imaging that will lay the groundwork for future projects in computational optics. This will allow us to build new capture devices that are not limited to visible or near infrared light and to evaluate and utilize the collected information.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2016
Source ID
N000141512652

Entities

People

  • Andreas Velten

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of Wisconsin System

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy