Abstract

A new algorithm is presented for phase tracking faint low-contrast optical fringes using a proper image photon counter. Simulations show that the tenacity of the new algorithm manifestly surpasses what has been conventionally assumed to be the photon statistical limit. Furthermore, the new algorithm is very quick and easy to compute. Results using actual stellar observations renew hopes for speckle imaging at low light levels.

© 1984 Optical Society of America

Multichannel seeing compensation via software

Lawrence Mertz
Appl. Opt. 24(18) 2898-2902 (1985)

Phase estimation based on the maximum likelihood criterion

Kazuyoshi Itoh and Yoshihiro Ohtsuka
Appl. Opt. 22(19) 3054-3057 (1983)

Velocimetry of moving phase plates using laser speckle patterns

C. A. Schmidt-Harms
Appl. Opt. 23(14) 2353-2358 (1984)

Speckle imaging, photon by photon

Lawrence N. Mertz
Appl. Opt. 18(5) 611-614 (1979)

Effect of scintillation noise in heterodyne speckle photogrammetry

Karl A. Stetson
Appl. Opt. 23(6) 920-923 (1984)