Abstract

A simple model, based on the decomposition of an object into a superposition of overlap ping lens-like components, aids significantly in the understanding of recently proposed enhanced-backscatter-based methods for imaging diffuser-obscured objects. This model shows clearly why enhanced back scatter imaging of planar objects allows retrieval of only the modulus of the Fresnel transform of the object reflectance distribution. The model can be extended to include the case of non-planar surface objects. Interpretation of the model allows one to determine whether information in some sense comparable to the object Fresnel transform modulus can be inferred from the enhanced backscatter radiation field.

© 1992 Optical Society of America