Definition of Speckle (interference)
Speckle, speckle pattern, or speckle noise designates the granular structure observed in coherent light, resulting from random interference. Speckle patterns are used in a wide range of metrology techniques, as they generally allow high sensitivity and simple setups. They can also be a limiting factor in imaging systems, such as radar, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), medical ultrasound and optical coherence tomography.
Speckle is not external noise; rather, it is an inherent fluctuation in diffuse reflections, because the scatterers are not identical for each cell, and the coherent illumination wave is highly sensitive to small variations in phase changes.
Speckle patterns arise when coherent light is randomised. The simplest case of such randomisation is when light reflects off an optically rough surface. Optically rough means that the surface profile contains fluctuations larger than the wavelength. Most common surfaces are rough to visible light, such as paper, wood, or paint.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Speckle (interference)?
Speckle, speckle pattern, or speckle noise designates the granular structure observed in coherent light, resulting from random interference.