Single-shot complex field imaging through a diffuser by in-line holography with polarization multiplexing

Abstract

The imaging of complex-amplitude objects that are hidden behind scattering media by single frame detection has faced challenges. Here, we propose, and experimentally demonstrate, a novel complex-field imaging technique through a scattering medium by utilizing the in-line holography scheme in combination with polarization multiplexing. The imaging is achieved by using a polarization multiplexing assisted four-step phase shifting scheme and by designing a compact in-line holographic configuration. Moreover, the randomness associated with the speckle pattern generation of the object transmission through the diffuser is removed after an imaging system in accordance with the shower-curtain effect is employed. We experimentally demonstrate the potential of the technique by single-shot measurement of multiple phase-shifting holograms acquired with a polarization camera and illustrate the dominance of the approach over traditional phase-shifting holography-based imaging through diffusers. Finally, the efficacy of the approach is demonstrated with complex field imaging of nervures in the honeybee wing.