Two groups, the Imaging Systems Laboratory (ISL) of the University of Colorado and the Laboratorio de Optica, (LO) in the Departamento de Fisica y Matematicas of the Universidad de Los Americas, are pursuing a joint research program to further develop and demonstrate tools for the design of integrated optical/digital imaging systems. This program combines the capabilities of the two groups and focuses their efforts by concentrating on the reduction of the longitudinal region of focus of an imaging system. That is, an optical/digital imaging system is to be designed that has a greatly reduced depth of field or, equivalently, a dramatically increased resolution along the longitudinal axis. Based on previous research by the two groups, it is believed that this goal can be achieved without adversely affecting the transverse resolution. Indeed, it appears likely that, with a combined optical/digital system, the transverse resolution can also be increased somewhat. Such a system would be useful in microscopy, medical imaging, and in inspection devices for manufacturing. In addition to the scientific advances and potential new imaging systems, the interaction between the graduate students in each group and long-term (one month to one semester) visits to each others' institutions will greatly promote international cooperation in the field, and understanding between the two cultures.
