Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus including a phase mask and circuitry. The phase mask is configured and arranged with optics in an optical path to modify a shape of light, passed from an object. The shape modification characterizes the light as having two lobes with a lateral distance that changes along a line, having a first orientation, as a function of an axial proximity of the object to a focal plane, and with the line having a different orientation depending on whether the object is above or below the focal plane. The circuitry is configured and arranged to generate a three-dimensional image from light detected at the image plane, by using the modified shape to provide depth-based characteristics of the object.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus including a phase mask and circuitry. The phase mask is configured and arranged with optics in an optical path to modify a shape of light, passed from an object. The shape modification characterizes the light as having two lobes with a lateral distance that changes along a line, having a first orientation, as a function of an axial proximity of the object to a focal plane, and with the line having a different orientation depending on whether the object is above or below the focal plane. The circuitry is configured and arranged to generate a three-dimensional image from light detected at the image plane, by using the modified shape to provide depth-based characteristics of the object.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus including a phase mask and circuitry. The phase mask is configured and arranged with optics in an optical path to modify a shape of light, passed from an object. The shape modification characterizes the light as having two lobes with a lateral distance that changes along a line, having a first orientation, as a function of an axial proximity of the object to a focal plane, and with the line having a different orientation depending on whether the object is above or below the focal plane. The circuitry is configured and arranged to generate a three-dimensional image from light detected at the image plane, by using the modified shape to provide depth-based characteristics of the object.

Abstract: Various imaging apparatuses, methods and their implementation are characterized herein. As may be implemented with one or more embodiments, a phase mask and optics operate to provide characterization of object depth and related rotational mobility of a feature corresponding to the object. In various implementations, the optics include a microscope having an objective and a detection pathway that operate with the phase mask for passing the light from the objective. Circuitry, such as light detector, processor or combination thereof operates with the phase mask and microscope to characterize the depth and rotational mobility, based on detected light passed via the microscope and the phase mask.

Abstract: Various imaging apparatuses, methods and their implementation are characterized herein. As may be implemented with one or more embodiments, a phase mask and optics operate to provide characterization of object depth and related rotational mobility of a feature corresponding to the object. In various implementations, the optics include a microscope having an objective and a detection pathway that operate with the phase mask for passing the light from the objective. Circuitry, such as light detector, processor or combination thereof operates with the phase mask and microscope to characterize the depth and rotational mobility, based on detected light passed via the microscope and the phase mask.