A flexible phase error compensation method based on probability distribution functions in phase measuring profilometry

We demonstrate a fast and easy phase-error compensation technique based on statistical analysis of the wrapped phase distributions. The probability distribution functions (PDF) of the wrapped phase will become abnormal when there are nonlinear effects in a phase measuring profilometry. With the known iterative phase compensation algorithm, the most appropriate coefficients will be obtained by smoothing the PDF. The proposed method doesn't need more fringe images than the choosing three or four step fringe images as well as reference images. It can lead to a fast and easy phase-error compensation. Both computer simulation and experiment are carried out to demonstrate the validity of this technique.