Distortion matrix concept for deep optical imaging in scattering media

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel distortion matrix approach for deep optical imaging in scattering media, enabling correction of high-order aberrations and multiple scattering to achieve near-diffraction-limited resolution at significant depths.

Contribution

It presents a global, non-invasive method using the distortion matrix and singular value decomposition to improve imaging through scattering media, surpassing traditional adaptive optics.

Findings

Achieved Strehl ratio enhancement up to 2500

Recovered diffraction-limited resolution at depths of ten scattering mean free paths

Validated method through biological tissue experiments

Abstract

In optical imaging, light propagation is affected by the inhomogeneities of the medium. Sample-induced aberrations and multiple scattering can strongly degrade the image resolution and contrast. Based on a dynamic correction of the incident and/or reflected wave-fronts, adaptive optics has been employed to compensate for those aberrations. However, it only applies to spatially-invariant aberrations or to thin aberrating layers. Here, we propose a global and non-invasive approach based on the distortion matrix concept. This matrix basically connects any focusing point of the image with the distorted part of its wave-front in reflection. A singular value decomposition of the distortion matrix allows to correct for high-order aberrations and forward multiple scattering over multiple isoplanatic modes. Proof-of-concept experiments are performed through biological tissues including a turbid cornea. We demonstrate a Strehl ratio enhancement up to 2500 and recover a diffraction-limited resolution until a depth of ten scattering mean free paths.