Extended depth of field optical systems

摘要

An imaging system is characterized at least by an ambiguity function ("AF") and a point spread function ("PSF"). The AF is a function of parameters u and v related to a misfocus parameter psi; the PSF is at least a function of psi. The system includes (1) an image recording device, (2) an optical arrangement for imaging an object to the image recording device, and (3) a post processor that renders an in-focus electronic image over a range of distances between the object and the optical arrangement. The optical arrangement alters phase such that a main lobe of the AF is broader in v for a specific u. The PSF has a functionally different form for a specific psi, in comparison to a PSF characterizing the system when the optical arrangement does not alter the phase for those specific values of u and psi over the range of distances.