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

TLDR

Existing phase‑unwrapping methods unwrap the most reliable pixels first but are limited to continuous paths and struggle to define a starting pixel. The study introduces a novel phase‑unwrapping technique. The method employs a new reliability function and performs unwrapping along a non‑continuous path, with detailed explanations and illustrative examples. The technique is demonstrated with multiple examples, illustrating its effectiveness.

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.