Twin-image reduction method using a diffuser for phase imaging in-line digital holography.

Phase imaging by digital holography is widely used. An in-line optical setup is preferable for a practical use. A twin image, however, is a serious obstacle to achievement of high-quality phase imaging in in-line digital holography. For in-line digital holography, a time-division phase-shifting method or a wave-splitting phase-shifting method is used to eliminate the twin image. The former requires multiple exposures, and the latter requires specially designed optical elements. To solve these problems, a twin-image reduction method using a diffuser is proposed. In the proposed method, recording a digital hologram using a diffuser and signal processing enable reduction of the twin image on a reconstructed plane. A preliminary experimental result confirms the feasibility of the proposed method.