Phase-shift extraction for generalized phase-shifting interferometry

A simple algorithm for blind extraction of phase shifts is proposed for generalized phase-shifting interferometry from only three interferograms. Based on the statistical property of the object wave, the algorithm calculates approximately the involved phase shifts as initial values. The extraction is further improved by an iterative method, considering the fact that the closer the phase shifts approach their real values, the more uniform the reconstructed reference wave will become. The feasibility of this algorithm is demonstrated by both simulation and experiment.