Phase unwrapping using vector space projection methods

Abstract

In this paper we explore a new approach for unwrapping of two-dimensional phase functions using vector-space projection methods. Phase unwrapping is essential for imaging systems that construct the image from phase information. Unlike some existing methods where unwrapping is performed locally on a piece-by-piece basis, this work approaches the unwrapping problem from a global point of view. The unwrapping is done iteratively, based on an extension of the Gerchberg-Papoulis algorithm, and the solution is refined over the entire region of support at each iteration. Robustness is demonstrated through its performance in a noisy environment, and its performance is compared to the least-squares algorithm developed by Pritt