Simultaneously improving multiple imaging parameters with scattering media.

Abstract

Traditional optical imaging systems can provide high-quality imaging with a complicated and expensive optical design by eliminating aberrations. With the help of an optical memory effect, rather than independently improving a single imaging parameter, the simultaneous improvement of several imaging parameters by adding scattering media to the imaging systems is, to the best of our knowledge, demonstrated for the first time. As an example, in a simple single lens imaging system, in addition to the depth of field being greatly improved, spherical aberration, coma aberration, and chromatic aberration are simultaneously eliminated by placing a scattering medium between the lens and the camera. The results indicate the potential applications of scattering media in many fields such as optical imaging, optical measurements, and biomedical applications.