Efficient nonlinear algorithm for envelope detection in white light interferometry

A compact and efficient algorithm for digital envelope detection in white light interferograms is derived from a well-known phase-shifting algorithm. The performance of the new algorithm is compared with that of Principal criteria considered are computational efficiency and accuracy in The new algorithm is shown to be near optimal in terms of computational efficiency and can be represented as a second-order nonlinear filter. In combination with a carefully designed peak detection method the algorithm exhibits exceptionally good performance on simulated interferograms. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America