Open AccessAchieving sub-Rayleigh resolution via thresholding
Author(s) -
Sara Mouradian,
Franco N. C. Wong,
Jeffrey H. Shapiro
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.005480
Subject(s) - optics , rayleigh scattering , image resolution , thresholding , resolution (logic) , diffraction , ptychography , spatial frequency , laser scanning , limit (mathematics) , physics , materials science , laser , computer science , mathematics , image (mathematics) , computer vision , artificial intelligence , mathematical analysis
Diffraction from a finite-diameter entrance pupil imposes the Rayleigh bound on the spatial resolution achievable by a conventional imaging system. We demonstrate resolution beyond this limit through unstructured scanning of a focused laser beam across an object together with dynamic application of a threshold N less than the maximum count level Nmax. Experimental results show sub-Rayleigh resolution enhancement by a factor of [ln(Nmax/N)]1/2.