Arbitrary Tunable Edge-Enhanced Imaging Based on Curvilinear Vortex Filter

Abstract

An approach for edge-enhanced imaging based on the optical element that generates a curvilinear vortex beam with intensity and phase distributions along arbitrary curves was proposed, which is different from the classic edge-enhanced imaging method with a 4f imaging system. It is demonstrated that the image edge can be enhanced by modulating the optical element that generates the curvilinear vortex beam with a ring or ellipse trajectory. By setting the factor that determines the ring or elliptical trajectory of the curvilinear vortex beam, the intensity distribution of the optical element can be controlled, resulting in directional enhancement of the image. Furthermore, by clipping the optical element, the image edge can be enhanced in the selective region. It is helpful for the further applications of the optical element that generates the curvilinear vortex beams in optical imaging, especially higher contrast and resolution images.