Adaptive filter for unwrapping noisy phase image in phase-stepping interferometry

An adaptive filter for preprocessing wrapped phase image with high noise content has been developed. The window size of this median filter is adjustable according to its location in the noisy phase image. This size-adjustable median filter has not only high noise-rejection ability, but also both good phase-jump identification and image-detail preservation properties. Phase unwrapping can then be done to recover the real phase image without the hampering influence of noise, especially the noise near the phase jumps. Both numerical simulation and experimental results used to examine the effectiveness of this adaptive filter are presented.