Incoherent radiation offers a number of advantages over coherent radiation for many image processing applications. It inherently gives a superior signal-to-noise ratio and offers more flexibility. The planned research is a continuation of previous NSF supported work (ECS-8212472) exploring aspects of image processing with incoherent light. The image processing operations will be based upon interferometry using extended source and polychromatic light. Work will concentrate on three major topics: First is an extension of incoherent spatial filtering, wherein arbitrary transfer functions are generated, comparable to those possible with coherent optics. Second is a process whereby the image properties, including resolution, are controlled by a parallel aperture, through which no light from the object passes. This prospect leads to superresolution, whereby the object light passes through a small aperture, yet is not degraded in resolution. Third is a new kind of diffraction tomography, based on the concept of grating imaging with incoherent light.
