Superresolution optical system with two fixed generalized Damman gratings

We present a system that exceeds the Rayleigh limit of resolution, by placi ng two fixed gratings in predetermined positions. Lukosz suggested a setup that managed to exceed the Rayleigh Limit of resolution [J. Opt. Sec. Am. 5 6, 1463 (1966); 51, 982 (1967)]. However, Lukosz's technique had some drawb acks that the new suggested system attempts to resolve. Similar to Lukosz's technique; the proposed system works without any moving elements and with no time- or wavelength-restricting conditions. It is suitable for coherent or incoherent two-dimensional imaging. However, the new system contains som e important modifications. Although the system uses only two gratings, it i s capable of producing superresolution without using an additional imaging lens at the output plane. The generalized Damman gratings allow for obtaini ng undistorted spectral restoration of information. To achieve superresolut ion, the input object is duplicated. The trade-off for higher resolution is a smaller held of view. Experimental results validate the theoretical anal ysis. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America. OCIS codes: 070.4560, 070.5010, 050.1950, 050.1970.