Research on information content of light field on the image plane illuminated by incoherent light source

A novel approach for the measurement of information content of light field on the image plane illuminated by an incoherent light source has been proposed according to Shannon’s information theory. We put forward a hypothetical concept named "coherent wavelet source" on an incoherent light source which can form an independent coherent signal on the object surface based on the expression of mutual intensity on the object surface. As a result, the number of independent coherent signals on the object surface can be made out by dividing the whole illumination source on a coherent wavelet source size. Meanwhile, the maximum number of degree of freedom of light field which can reach the image plane is given based on the structure of imaging system. Concrete algorithm for the information content of the imaging light illuminated by a 1D linear light source and a 2D circular light source are presented.