Abstract:
A technique is demonstrated for evaluation of detection thresholds as a function of object size and contrast in coherent imaging systems. Several experiments are used to illustrate the application of this technique: (a) A study of three different methods of speckle smoothing; (b) a demonstration that speckle decorrelates with input polarization; and (c) a demonstration that fully-developed speckle leads to an image degradation independent of light level over a very wide range of light levels. Photographic data are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of this technique