title: Nonlinear common-path interferometer: an image processor.
abstract: A single-lens optical setup with a nonlinear medium placed in its geometrical focal plane is used to contrast a phase disturbance. This setup blends the robustness of phase-contrast methods with an optical nonlinear intensity-dependent medium and the usefulness of traditional interferometric techniques. We show that the ratio of the total illumination area to the phase-object area determines an adequate phase-disturbance contrast.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Optica y Electrónica, Apdo. Postal 51 y 216, Puebla, Puebla, 72000 Mexico. carlost@inaoep.mx
authors.forename: Carlos Gerardo
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Treviño-Palacios
authors.forename: Marcelo David
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Iturbe-Castillo
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sánchez-de-la-Llave
authors.forename: Ruben
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ramos-García
authors.forename: Luis Ignacio
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Olivos-Pérez