Exploiting forward-scattering asymmetry in imaging and surface profile measurements through scattering media

Abstract

We propose a special imaging technique as a low-cost solution to profile hidden surfaces through scattering media. The method exploits the asymmetry property of a pair of identical laser beams in propagation through the scattering medium, where scanning the pointing of the paired laser beams allows for a collection of target samples to reconstruct the surface shape of a hidden object. In application, our new method provides alternative solutions to many real-world problems, such as medical imaging, optical communication, environmental sensing, and underwater surveillance that require dealing with a scattering environment that often obscures direct sight of a target area.