Theory of image formation (Q7035669)

Consider a superposition of plane monochromatic waves with a spatial dependency like \(s(x,y,z)=\int_{\vec{k}}\alpha(\vec{k}) e^{i\vec{k}\cdot\vec{r}}d\vec{k}\), where \(\vec{k}\) denotes the wave vector and \(\vec{r}=(x,y,z)\). The relation of this wave packet description to two- and three-dimensional Fourier transform builds the core of the book, which is mainly concerned with wave optics and devices like lenses and apertures, designed to produce images from a scenery by manipulating and focusing optical waves. Indeed, Fourier techniques are fundamental when describing the working principles of these devices. As an example consider a plane wave with spatial dependency \(S(x,y,z)=e^{i\vec{k}\cdot\vec{r}}\). As shown in the book with Fourier Transform methods, \(S\) fulfills a reproducing kernel equation \(S=S\circ S_{sph}\) with a convolution kernel \(S_{sph}(\vec{r},\vec{r'})\) decribing a spherical wave propagating from \(\vec{r'}\) to \(\vec{r}\). This is a mathematical foundation of the time-honored Huyghens principle.\N\NThus, the title of the book could be slightly misleading. It has nothing to do with abstract imaging concepts like those given in [\textit{A. Desolneux} et al., From Gestalt theory to image analysis. A probabilistic approach. New York, NY: Springer (2008; Zbl 1241.68001)].\N\NRather, the book at hand is concerned with physics and engineering behind image formation, starting from an illuminated scene or from other imaging modalities like tomography. The topics are not restricted to optical imagery and include X-ray and radar technology. The book is a revised version of [\textit{R. E. Blahut}, Theory of remote image formation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2004; Zbl 1077.94001)]. Apart from some re-ordering, the 15 chapter headings basically correspond to those of the first edition, which are listed in detail in [loc. cit.]. It is a very exhaustive, updated and extended treatment of these subjects and may serve as a useful guide to scientists, practicioners and students, written by a renowned expert in the field.