New process for image enhancement by means of correction of wave optical image defects

A research group from a University in Northern Germany developed a new computer aided process which fastens and simplifies conventional adaptive optics. Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology used to improve the performance of optical systems by reducing the effect of wave front distortions. The invention relates to a numerical correction process for digital images, for which at least partially coherent light has passed through imaging optics with predetermined image defects. The image defects above all affect the path length of the light components passed through and lead to a distortion of the light wave fronts. Conventional image enhancement processes for incoherent light are based solely on measured light intensities and cannot take the interference occurring with spatially coherent light into consideration. A wave front reconstruction is intrinsically required for this to first determine the image defects and then compensate for them. As a result an astigmatic (defocused) image can be generated with focus and without distortion from the defective image. The new process improves the results of adaptive optics used for : - astronomical imaging with high-resolution telescopes - medical application (as retinal imaging with high-precision microscopes) - high performance laser - laser cutting appliance The University has applied European and worldwide patents (EP and PCT patents) for this invention. To open up the market the researches are offering their novel image enhancement process worldwide under license agreement. They are open for partners from industry and research.