Asymmetric apodization in confocal scanning systems

A new class of superresolution pairs of pupil filters for three-dimensional , two-pupil confocal imaging is proposed. A distinctive feature of these fi lters is the asymmetry of their impulse response. For synthesizing the ampl itude transmittance of such filters the Fourier transform properties of Her mitian functions are employed. It is shown that, with simple phase-only fil ters that belong to the class in question, either axial or unidirectional l ateral superresolution is achieved. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.