Three-dimensional laser microvision

A three-dimensional (3-D) optical imaging system offering high resolution i n all three dimensions, requiring minimum manipulation and capable of real- time operation, is presented. The system derives its capabilities from use of the Superstructure grating laser source in the implementation bf a laser step frequency radar for depth information acquisition. A synthetic apertu re radar technique was also used to further enhance its lateral resolution as well as extend the depth of focus. High-speed operation was made possibl e by a dual computer system consisting of a host and a remote microcomputer supported by a dual-channel Small Computer System Interface parallel data transfer system. The system is capable of operating near realtime. The 3-D display of a tunneling diode, a microwave integrated circuit, and a see-thr ough image taken by the system operating near real time are included. The d epth resolution is 40 mum; lateral resolution with a synthetic aperture app roach is a fraction of a micrometer and that without it is approximately 10 mum. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.