Fast two-dimensional phase-unwrapping algorithm based on sorting by reliability following a noncontinuous path

Appl Opt. 2002 Dec 10;41(35):7437-44. doi: 10.1364/ao.41.007437.

Abstract

We describe what is to our knowledge a novel technique for phase unwrapping. Several algorithms based on unwrapping the most-reliable pixels first have been proposed. These were restricted to continuous paths and were subject to difficulties in defining a starting pixel. The technique described here uses a different type of reliability function and does not follow a continuous path to perform the unwrapping operation. The technique is explained in detail and illustrated with a number of examples.