Fourier optics model of a 4f system

In summary, the conversation discusses representing two lenses, L1 and L2, with focal lengths of 910mm and 40mm respectively. The lenses are spaced apart by f1+f2 and a unit amplitude plane wave is incident on L1. The goal is to find the resulting irradiance pattern after passage through both lenses. The speaker mentions using Fourier transforms, specifically the Fraunhofer diffraction integral, for L1 with z=f1. However, there is uncertainty on how to handle L2 and whether an inverse version of the Fraunhofer diffraction integral is needed while accounting for the focal length f2.
  • #1
Skaiserollz89
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TL;DR Summary
I am attempting to model a 4f system in matlab. However, before I do I want to ensure I am understanding the fourier optics involved in doing so.
In my system I am trying to represent two lenses. L1 with focal length f1=910mm and the other lens, L2 with focal length f2=40mm. These lenses are space such that there is a distance of f1+f2 between the lenses. I have a unit amplitude plane wave incident on L1. My goal is to find the resulting irradiance pattern after passage through both lenses.

I think I only need to perform a couple fourier transforms. For L1, I will use the Fraunhofer diffraction integral on the incoming field u_in(x,y) with z=f1. This results in the transform field U_in(fx,fy) at f1. From here I'm not sure what to do. For lens L2 do I need to do an inverse version of the Fraunhofer diffraction integral to get out of frequency space while simultaneously accounting for the focal length of the 2nd lens f2? Any advice would be much appreciated!
 
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  • #2


The Fourier optics model of a 4f system is a powerful tool for analyzing optical systems with multiple lenses. In your system, you have two lenses, L1 and L2, with focal lengths of 910mm and 40mm respectively. These lenses are spaced such that there is a distance of f1+f2 between them. To find the resulting irradiance pattern after passage through both lenses, you are correct in saying that you will need to perform a couple of Fourier transforms.

First, for L1, you will need to use the Fraunhofer diffraction integral on the incoming field u_in(x,y) with z=f1. This will result in the transformed field U_in(fx,fy) at f1. This transformed field will then act as the input for L2. However, in order to properly account for the focal length of L2, you will need to use the inverse version of the Fraunhofer diffraction integral. This will allow you to transform the field back into real space and account for the focal length of L2 at the same time.

Once you have performed the inverse transform, you will have the field at the focal plane of L2. From here, you can use the standard thin lens equation to determine the field at the final image plane. This will give you the resulting irradiance pattern after passage through both lenses.

In summary, to find the resulting irradiance pattern in your system, you will need to perform two Fourier transforms and use the inverse version of the Fraunhofer diffraction integral to properly account for the focal length of L2. This will allow you to accurately analyze the behavior of your 4f system and determine the resulting irradiance pattern.
 

FAQ: Fourier optics model of a 4f system

What is a 4f system in Fourier optics?

A 4f system in Fourier optics is an optical setup that consists of two lenses separated by the sum of their focal lengths (4f). This configuration is used to perform various optical transformations, including Fourier transforms, image processing, and spatial filtering. The system effectively maps the spatial frequency content of an object plane to a Fourier plane and then back to an image plane.

How does a 4f system perform a Fourier transform?

In a 4f system, an object placed at the front focal plane of the first lens undergoes a Fourier transform at the back focal plane of the first lens. This Fourier-transformed information is then relayed to the front focal plane of the second lens, which performs an inverse Fourier transform, reconstructing the image at the back focal plane of the second lens. This process leverages the properties of lenses to perform optical Fourier transforms efficiently.

What are the applications of a 4f system in optics?

A 4f system has numerous applications in optics, including optical signal processing, spatial filtering, holography, and microscopy. It is widely used in applications that require manipulation of the frequency components of an optical signal, such as image enhancement, pattern recognition, and optical computing.

What role do spatial filters play in a 4f system?

Spatial filters are placed at the Fourier plane (the back focal plane of the first lens) in a 4f system to selectively modify certain spatial frequency components of the input signal. By blocking, attenuating, or enhancing specific frequencies, spatial filters can perform tasks such as noise reduction, edge enhancement, and feature extraction in optical signals.

What are the key components needed to set up a 4f system?

The key components needed to set up a 4f system include two lenses with focal lengths f1 and f2, an object to be imaged or processed, and a spatial filter (optional) placed at the Fourier plane. The lenses should be aligned such that the distance between them is the sum of their focal lengths (f1 + f2), and the object should be placed at the front focal plane of the first lens. Proper alignment and positioning are crucial for the system to function correctly.

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