Optical assembly of far-field super-resolution imaging via optical gain
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Joshua S. Deaver (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- W Yang
Abstract: The performance of an optical imaging system is fundamentally limited by the wave nature
of light. More specifically the lateral resolution of an image has traditionally been dictated
by Abbe’s limit, to be approximately one-half of the wavelength. The pursuit of exceeding
this limit is a growing interest in several research areas. The goal of these pursuits
is to achieve super-resolution imaging, as in breaking what have long been thought of as
insurmountable restrictions. There have been several methods proposed and demonstrated
to overcome Abbe’s limits. Some of the aforementioned methods include the perfect lens
made from negative refractive index materials and Structured Illumination Microscopy
(SIM). This paper highlights a novel approach to achieving super-resolution imaging. In
this case the means to obtaining super-resolution imaging will be through optical gain by
using an active objective lens. This gain will allow for the retention of spatial frequencies
beyond Abbes limit, by the conversion of evanescent waves into sustainable propagating
waves. An optical assembly was constructed to verify the theory of optical gain assisted
evanescent wave conversion. The experimental results show that for two specific situations, where one (Pump angle A) provides the possibility of optical gain assisted evanescent
wave conversion and one (Pump angle C) does not, Pump angle A position allows for
the detection of higher spatial frequency information than Pump angle C position in the
far-field pattern. This confirms the hypothesis and the theory of evanescent wave conversion
via optical gain, providing the potential for far-field super-resolution.
Optical assembly of far-field super-resolution imaging via optical gain
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Created on 3/1/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2011
- Keywords
- Gain, Imaging, Optical, Super-resolution
- Subjects
- High resolution imaging
- Imaging systems -- Design and construction
- Optical instruments| -- Design and construction