Visualization of phase objects with real semiderivative and schlieren filters: a comparison

Phase object visualization method is useful as a phase shift measurement technique when output image intensity signal is a known function of object phase or its derivative. This paper presents a comparison of performances of three real frequency domain filters: Foucault frequently called knife edge filter, Hoffman known in microscopy as a modulation contrast method and the semi-derivative filter. Its performance is simulated using Virtual Lab 1.O software in 4f imaging system with coherent illumination.