Patterns and Symmetries in the Visual Cortex and in Natural Images

As borders between different entities, lines are an important element of natural images. Indeed, the neurons of the mammalian visual cortex are tuned to respond best to lines of a given orientation. This preferred orientation varies continuously across most of the cortex, but also has vortex-like singularities known as pinwheels. In attempting to describe such patterns of orientation preference, we are led to consider underlying rotation symmetries: Oriented segments in natural images tend to be collinear; neurons are more likely to be connected if their preferred orientations are aligned to their topographic separation. These are indications of a reduced symmetry requiring joint rotations of both orientation preference and the underlying topography. This is verified by direct statistical tests in both natural images and in cortical maps. Using the statistics of natural scenes we construct filters that are best suited to extracting information from such images, and find qualitative similarities to mammalian vision. PACS84.35+i 89.70.+c 87.57.Nk     

SOA-Based Multi-Wavelength Laser Sources

We present recent advances in multi-wavelength, power-equalized laser sources that incorporate a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and simple optical filters, such as Lyot-type and Fabry-Perot, for comb generation. Both linear and ring-cavity configurations are presented, and single-pass optical feedback technique is proposed to improve the performance in terms of the number of simultaneously oscillating lines and output channel power equalization. This technique resulted in a broadened oscillating spectrum of 52 lines spaced at 50 GHz, power-equalized within 0.3 dB. Finally, a simplified version that uses only an uncoated SOA for both gain and comb generation is demonstrated.     

具有任意方向的扇形滤波器及其在图像方向检测中的应用

扇形滤波器在图像的方向检测中是非常重要的.本文基于极傅里叶变换和一个楔形滤波器,设计出具有任意方向的二维扇形滤波器.首先,楔形滤波器被变换到极傅里叶域,再利用极傅里叶变换的旋转特性,楔形滤波器可以通过将其极傅里叶变换沿着水平方向进行移动来实现旋转,得到一系列具有任意方向导向的扇形滤波器,它们能够检测图像中所包含的任意方向信息.由于整个设计过程不涉及二维优化,因此所提出的设计方法具有设计简单的优点.为了验证扇形滤波器的方向敏感性,将所设计的扇形滤波器应用于图像的纹理方向检测,结果表明,具有任意方向的扇形滤波器在图像纹理方向检测中具有很大的潜能.     

Comparative study of pattern correlation using Mexican hat and Coiflet wavelet-based filtering

In this work, a numerical study on the pattern correlation using wavelet filters is reported. A comparative study of the correlation using the Mexican hat and Coiflets filters is presented. A Coiflet filter acts not only as a band-pass filter but as a high-pass or low-pass filter. Therefore, unlike the Mexican hat-based filter which acts only as a pass-band filter, the Coiflet-based filters allow selecting horizontal, vertical or diagonals details of the original image. Each one of the original images can be discomposed in an average image and several detail images at different levels of multiresolution. We study the numerical correlation between binary patterns using the Mexican hat filter and the first and second multiresolution level obtained by Coiflet filtering. Additionally, an analysis about the noise immunity for the Mexican hat and Coiflet filters is realized. The results show that Coiflet filters are better to identify special characteristics but perform the worst when they are used with noisy images. On the other side, the Mexican filter presents a better noise immunity but performs the worst when is used to compare special characteristics.     

Deconvolution of vibroacoustic images using a simulation model based on a three dimensional point spread function

Vibro-acoustography (VA) is a medical imaging method based on the difference-frequency generation produced by the mixture of two focused ultrasound beams. VA has been applied to different problems in medical imaging such as imaging bones, microcalcifications in the breast, mass lesions, and calcified arteries. The obtained images may have a resolution of 0.7–0.8 mm. Current VA systems based on confocal or linear array transducers generate C-scan images at the beam focal plane. Images on the axial plane are also possible, however the system resolution along depth worsens when compared to the lateral one. Typical axial resolution is about 1.0 cm. Furthermore, the elevation resolution of linear array systems is larger than that in lateral direction. This asymmetry degrades C-scan images obtained using linear arrays. The purpose of this article is to study VA image restoration based on a 3D point spread function (PSF) using classical deconvolution algorithms: Wiener, constrained least-squares (CLSs), and geometric mean filters. To assess the filters’ performance on the restored images, we use an image quality index that accounts for correlation loss, luminance and contrast distortion. Results for simulated VA images show that the quality index achieved with the Wiener filter is 0.9 (when the index is 1.0 this indicates perfect restoration). This filter yielded the best result in comparison with the other ones. Moreover, the deconvolution algorithms were applied to an experimental VA image of a phantom composed of three stretched 0.5 mm wires. Experiments were performed using transducer driven at two frequencies, 3075 kHz and 3125 kHz, which resulted in the difference-frequency of 50 kHz. Restorations with the theoretical line spread function (LSF) did not recover sufficient information to identify the wires in the images. However, using an estimated LSF the obtained results displayed enough information to spot the wires in the images. It is demonstrated that the phase of the theoretical and the experimental PSFs are dissimilar. This fact prevents VA image restoration with the current theoretical PSF. This study is a preliminary step towards understanding the restoration of VA images through the application of deconvolution filters.     

An Application for Aesthetic Quality Assessment in Photography with Interpretability Features

Automatic aesthetic quality assessment is a computer vision problem in which we quantify the attractiveness or the appealingness of a photograph. This is especially useful in social networks, where the amount of images generated each day requires automation for processing. This work presents Aesthetic Selector, an application able to identify images of high aesthetic quality, showing also relevant information about the decisions and providing the use of the most appropriate filters to enhance a given image. We then analyzed the main proposals in the aesthetic quality field, describing their strengths and weaknesses in order to determine the filters to be included in the application Aesthetic Selector. This proposed application was tested, giving good results, in three different scenarios: image selection, image finding, and filter selection. Besides, we carried out a study of distinct visualization tools to better understand the models’ behavior. These techniques also allow detecting which areas are more relevant within the images when models perform classification. The application also includes this interpretability module. Aesthetic Selector is an innovative and original program, because in the field of aesthetic quality in photography, there are no applications that identify high-quality images and also because it offers the capability of showing information about which parts of the image have affected this decision.     

3D passive photon counting automatic target recognition using advanced correlation filters

In this Letter, we present results for detecting and recognizing 3D objects in photon counting images using integral imaging with maximum average correlation height filters. We show that even under photon starved conditions objects may be automatically recognized in passively sensed 3D images using advanced correlation filters. We show that the proposed filter synthesized with ideal training images can detect and recognize a 3D object in photon counting images, even in the presence of occlusions and obscuration.     

Interference filters for the millimeter and submillimeter spectral region

The properties of a Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) with mirrors in the form of metal gratings are discussed. For obtaining filters for the submillimeter and millimeter spectral region we suggest the use of an interferometer with crossed gratings, each grating being enclosed between dielectric plates. Our studies have shown that the half-width of the transmission band of such a filter amounts to 0.6 mm at =8.4 mm, the transmissivity being 77%.In conclusion, the authors wish to express their gratitude to M. A. Leontovich for valuable discussions and to V. D. Rusanov and V. M. Plekhov for their collaboration in the work.     

Transmission characteristics of multilayer films composed of electro-optic and dielectric materials

We describe the theoretical evaluation for the transmission characteristics of multilayer films composed of periodic electro-optic and dielectric materials in a variable electric field. The films are assumed to have cavity-type layer stacking structures, which work as a narrow bandpass filter, and their electro-optic material is uni-axial BaTiO₃, whose electro-optic coefficient r₅₁ is larger than 1300 pm/V. The evaluation indicates that films composed of BaTiO₃ and SiO₂ or MgO function as tunable optical bandpass filters, with a tunable range larger than 6 nm for an electric field of less than 4 V/μm.     

Ultra‐low loss waveguide platform and its integration with silicon photonics

Planar waveguides with ultra‐low optical propagation loss enable a plethora of passive photonic integrated circuits, such as splitters and combiners, filters, delay lines, and components for advanced modulation formats. An overview is presented of the status of the field of ultra‐low loss waveguides and circuits, including the design, the trade‐off between bend radius and loss, and fabrication rationale. The characterization methods to accurately measure such waveguides are discussed. Some typical examples of device and circuit applications are presented. An even wider range of applications becomes possible with the integration of active devices, such as lasers, amplifiers, modulators and photodetectors, on such an ultra‐low loss waveguide platform. A summary of efforts to integrate silicon nitride and silica‐based low‐loss waveguides with silicon and III/V based photonics, either hybridly or heterogeneously, will be presented. The approach to combine these integration technologies heterogeneously on a single silicon substrate is discussed and an application example of a high‐bandwidth receiver is shown.     

多层光子晶体滤波器研究

从双层结构出发研究了一种由多块不同的单周期光子晶体组合而成的多层结构的滤波器，论述了这种滤波器的工作原理，研究表明这种结构适于制作带通、窄带通过、带阻、宽带带阻、高通以及其它各种性能的滤波器。实验和理论研究的结果相一致。     

Transmission spectra of tunable dispersion filters of the type of small particles-liquid crystal

We propose a technique for the calculation of characteristics of tunable dispersion filters of infrared radiation of the type of small particles-liquid crystal. The relation between the structural parameters of filters and their transmission spectra is investigated. The dependence of the halfwidth of transmission spectral lines on the thickness of the filter, the concentration of particles, and their size and polydispersity is investigated.     

光电混合相关识别系统中匹配滤波器缩放比例的确定方法

在光电混合匹配滤波相关识别系统中,由于输入图像的频谱与匹配滤波器的形成方式不同,不能直接实现对应频率成份的准确对准。这个问题需要通过对匹配滤波器进行缩放来解决。根据透镜的傅里叶变换性质和计算全息理论,分别推导出输入图像的频谱的表达式和滤波空间光调制器加载了匹配滤波器后的透射函数的表达式,并根据这两个表达式得到匹配滤波器的缩放比例的公式,然后在实际的光学识别系统中对根据该公式计算的缩放比例进行了验证。实验结果表明,在该缩放比例下,相关峰的质量有较大改善,这说明此时输入图像的频谱与匹配滤波器对应频率成份实现了较好地对准。     

Potential for micromachined actuation of ultra-wide continuously tunable optoelectronic devices

Tailored scaling represents a principle of success that, both in nature and in technology, allows the effectiveness of physical effects to be enhanced. Mutation and selection in nature are imitated in technology, e.g. by model calculation and design. Proper scaling of dimensions in natural photonic crystals and our fabricated artificial 1D photonic crystals (DBRs, distributed Bragg reflectors) enable efficient diffractive interaction in a specific spectral range. For our optical microsystems we illustrate that tailored miniaturization may also increase the mechanical stability and the effectiveness of spectral tuning by thermal and electrostatic actuation, since the relative significance of the fundamental physical forces involved considerably changes with scaling. These basic physical principles are rigorously applied in micromachined 1.55-μm vertical-resonator-based devices. We modeled, implemented and characterized 1.55-μm micromachined optical filters and vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser devices capable of wide, monotonic and kink-free tuning by a single control parameter. Tuning is achieved by mechanical actuation of one or several air-gaps that are part of the vertical resonator including two ultra-highly reflective DBR mirrors of strong refractive index contrast: (i) Δn=2.17 for InP/air-gap DBRs (3.5 periods) using GaInAs sacrificial layers and (ii) Δn=0.5 for Si₃N₄/SiO₂ DBRs (12 periods) with a polymer sacrificial layer to implement the air-cavity. In semiconductor multiple air-gap filters, a continuous tuning of >8% of the absolute wavelength is obtained. Varying the reverse voltage (U=0–5 V) between the membranes (electrostatic actuation), a tuning range of >110 nm was obtained for a large number of devices. The correlation of the wavelength and the applied voltage is accurately reproducible without any hysteresis. In two filters, tuning of 127 and 130 nm was observed for about ΔU=7 V. The extremely wide tuning range and the very small voltage required are record values to the best of our knowledge. For thermally actuated dielectric filters based on polymer sacrificial layers, Δλ/ΔU=-7 nm/V is found. Received: 10 May 2002 / Published online: 8 August 2002     

Macroparticle filtering of high-current vacuum arc plasmas

The transport of vacuum arc plasmas through a 90° curved magnetic macroparticle filter was investigated using a high-current pulsed arc source with a carbon cathode. The peak arc current was in the kiloampere range, exceeding considerably the level of what has been reported in the literature. The main question investigated was whether magnetic macroparticle filters could be scaled up while maintaining the transport efficiency of small filters. In front of the cathode, we found that arc current dependent total ion saturation currents were in the range from 10% to 23% of the arc current. The best relative transmission was 25% (time integrated output/time integrated input) at a duct wall bias of 12.5 V and at an axial magnetic field of about 100 mT. The measured relative transmission of the used high-current arrangement is comparable to what has been observed with other low-current filters. The absolute measurable ion saturation currents at the filter exit reached 70 A at an arc current of about 1000 A     

铜箔上生长的六角氮化硼薄膜的扫描隧道显微镜研究

利用扫描隧道显微镜研究了采用化学气相沉积法在铜箔表面生长出的高质量的六角氮化硼薄膜. 大范围的扫描隧道显微镜图像显示出该薄膜具有原子级平整的表面, 而扫描隧道谱则显示, 扫描隧道显微镜图像反映出的是该薄膜样品的隧穿势垒空间分布. 极低偏压的扫描隧道显微镜图像呈现了氮化硼薄膜表面的六角蜂窝周期性原子排列, 而高偏压的扫描隧道显微镜图像则呈现出无序和有序排列区域共存的电子调制图案. 该调制图案并非源于氮化硼薄膜和铜箔衬底的面内晶格失配, 而极有可能来源于两者界面处的氢、硼和/或氮原子在铜箔表面的吸附所导致的隧穿势垒的局域空间分布.     

Hyperresolving phase-only filters with an optically addressable liquid crystal spatial light modulator

Hyperresolving (sometimes called 'superresolving' or 'ultraresolving') phase-only filters can be generated using an optically addressable liquid crystal spatial light modulator. This approach avoids the problems of low efficiency, and coupling between amplitude and phase modulation, that arise when using conventional liquid crystal modulators. When addressed by a programmed light intensity distribution, it allows filters to be changed rapidly to modify the response of a system or permit the investigation of different filter designs. In this paper we present experimental hyperresolved images obtained using an optically addressable parallel-aligned nematic LCD with two zone Toraldo type phase-only filters. The images are compared with theoretical predictions.     

Optical filtering

This contribution deals with phase and amplitude filters used in coherent, partially coherent and incoherent illumination both for improvement of optical images and for detection of similarities (correlation). Other types of filters such as intensity filters, phase only filters etc. will be also discussed where appropriate. Most of the space, however, will be devoted to optical filtering in coherent illumination.     

傅利叶变换光谱技术中的"折叠假线"研究

根据奈奎斯特（Ｎｙｑｕｉｓｔ）采样定理,解释了傅利叶变换光谱采集过程中由于折叠而出现的假线现象,并且对线的特点进行了预测,进而总结出实验吕利用光学滤波器和电子学滤波器来防止假线,同时兼信顾噪比的实验参数设置方法,经实验证实,这套方法是行这有效的。     

Decomposition of biospeckle images in temporary spectral bands

We present a method of analysis of images of dynamic speckle based on the filtering in frequency bands of the temporary history of each pixel. Butterworth filters are applied to the temporary evolution, and different images are constructed showing the energy in each frequency band. Different degrees of activity of the sample in study, presumably attributed to different origins, are found. The method is exemplified with images of bruising damage in fruits and of biological activity in germinating corn seeds. It is found that the activity in the bruised region of an apple differs from the activity of healthy regions in a certain characteristic frequency range. The activity of the embryo can also be distinguished from that of the endosperm in corn seeds during germination.