Abstract: An optical scanning holography system which requires only a two dimensional scan to record three dimensional information from a fluorescent specimen wherein the optical scanning holography is based on scanning the specimen with a Fresnel zone pattern and detecting and decoding the fluorescent light reflected from the specimen. The flourescent light reflected from the specimen contains three dimensional information about the specimen so that once the fluorescent light is detected and decoded a three dimensional image of the specimen can be obtained and displayed using only the two dimensional scan.

Abstract: A process and mask for use in the process making it possible optically to measure precisely and rapidly sizes in elevation. A group of fringes of regular light, in uniform translation at constant velocity, is projected on the object to be measured and the image of the projected fringes is observed. The measurement of the phase difference of the reflected or diffused light signal at two points of the masked image plane is proportional to a variation in the relative height of the two corresponding object points, thereby allowing comparison to a control piece. The process makes it possible to measure absolute or relative sizes in elevation at two critical points of pieces in a production line. It also makes it possible to determine the profile of any piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to optically control mass produced articles by a holographic correlator. The articles are continuously moved through an input beam of the holographic correlator. The correlator employs a holographic filter having a plurality of Fourier spectra recorded thereon, which are spatially separated but overlapping and which correspond to different orientations of the reference specimen. During the translation of the object through the input beam, the beam is reflected so that all spectra are addressed through the holographic filter. The output correlation spot is detected through a diaphragm having a slit-form aperture. This apparatus and the method it employs does not depend on the orientation between the article and the holographic filter, thereby providing accurate results at high speeds.