Classically, diffraction theory sets a boundary for the resolving capacity of optical instruments. Yet some visual thresholds have values much better than the traditional resolution limit. Recent developments in superresolution, an area of optical physics and engineering with claims of transcending the stated resolution limits of optical instruments, are reviewed and their possible relevance to...

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important variable in the study of forest ecosystem processes, but very few studies are designed to monitor LAI and the seasonal variability in a mixed forest using non-destructive sampling. In this study, first, true LAI from May 1(st) and November 15(th) was estimated by making several calibrations to LAI as measured from the WinSCANOPY 2006 Plant Canopy Analyzer. ...

A novel, four degrees of freedom, low-cost device for tracking minimally invasive surgical instruments (MIS) in training setups was developed. This device consists of a gimbal mechanism with three optical computer mouse sensors. The gimbal guides the MIS instrument, while optical sensors measure the movements of the instrument. To test the feasibility of using optical mouse sensors to track MIS...

The optical impacts of a scattering benthic boundary layer are fairly obvious to in situ and remote sensing techniques that measure ocean color. These scattering layers cause an increase in light reflectance from positions above the benthos, a reduction in the penetrating photons to the bottom, and a decrease in photons scattered from the bottom back toward the surface. The net result is that t...

A small portable system is described which is used to directly determine the optical extinction of the atmospheric aerosol. The requisite highly sensitive measurement of the optical extinction is accomplished simultaneously at two wavelengths in the near-infrared (1064 nm) and visible (532 nm), using the pulsed cavity ring-down (CRD) approach. The measurement at the two wavelengths can aid in s...