Generalized Van Cittert-Zernike Schell propagator: an efficient algorithm for simulating partially coherent light
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We present a wave propagation algorithm that models the diffraction of partially spatially coherent light and can be efficiently computed using a single forward propagation. The model uses the Van Cittert-Zernike theorem to find the complex coherence factor from a light source reaching the object plane, and it then uses the generalized Schell's theorem to compute the diffraction pattern produced at a given propagation distance, not limited to the far field. The numerical propagation is computed by a series of fast Fourier transforms, and it can be adapted to use any existing coherent propagator, giving it high flexibility with minimal additional computational cost. We report speed improvements up to two orders of magnitude and accuracy improvements up to three orders of magnitude over sample-based methods to model partially spatially coherent light in computer-generated holography (CGH) and digital holography (DH).
Source: Optics Express
DOI: 10.1364/oe.571673
Authors: Manuel Montoya, Maria J. Lopera, Yunfeng Nie, David Blinder
Institutions: IMEC, Universidad EAFIT
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,270
Funder: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Awards: Computational Incoherent holographic single-shot plenoptic camera operating in natural light, Detection of microbiological and microplastic contaminants in drinking water using a cost-effective lensfree-based microscope., Advanced dynamic computer-generated holography for high-end holographic visualization, Chirplet-based framework for the efficent computation of numerical diffraction in complex systems
OpenAlex ID: W4415268444