Logical Image Reconstruction by Monitoring a Seeded Potential in Variable Detection Planes

Optical image computing, such as spatial differentiation, logical transform, and addition-subtraction operation, is of great importance to signal enhancement, transform, and extraction, but such nonlinear methods are restrained in incoherent or scattering imaging. Here, the logical white-light image reconstruction, as an optical image computing method for incoherent and scattered images, is proposed by monitoring a seeded potential in variable detection planes. The weak white-light signals collectively seed a potential at the expense of scattering noise based on seeded modulation instability in a photorefractive crystal. Then the logical image operation is achieved by sensitively probing the seeded potential and recording the intensity distribution of the probe beam in different detection planes. The proposed method has a strong ability of ballistic signal recording, reproduction, and reversal. The numerical and experimental results show a new physical phenomena in which the indirect interaction between light waves through a seeded potential is presented in different forms. The nonlinear method is proved to effectively operate pure images, the images scattered by a rotating diffuser, and the images scattered by fogs whether under back lighting or under front lighting. Our work suggests an alternative method for all-optical image processing, recovery, and computing.