This article is cited in 19 papers

Optical image processing

Analysis of the process of visualisation of transparent objects using the phase-contrast method with a photothermal Zernike cell

E. L. Bubis, A. Z. Matveev

Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod

Abstract: Basic characteristics of the process of visualisation of transparent objects using the phase-contrast method with a photothermal Zernike cell are analysed and evaluated. It is shown that, in spite of nonlocality of the process, visualisation is accomplished with the resolution close to the diffraction limit. The results of the visualisation process analysis in the scheme with a photothermal sell are compared with those obtained in a similar scheme with a Zernike cell based on the local Kerr nonlinearity.

Keywords: nonlinear optics, thermal self-action, phase contrast.

PACS: 42.87.-d, 42.65.-k

Received: 01.09.2011
Revised: 14.12.2011

 English version: Quantum Electronics, 2012, 42:4, 361–366

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