Phase-Shift Extraction and Wavefront Reconstruction in Generalized Phase-Shifting Interferometry with a Standard Phase Object

A method to extract phase shifts and reconstruct the object wave in generalized phase-shifting interferometry (GPSI) is proposed. The phase distribution of a standard phase object and the least-square method are used to extract phase shitts over a wide range from 0 to [pi]. Consequently, the tested object wave can be further reconstructed with the extracted phase shifts. It is accurate and applicable for GPSI of any frame number N (N > or = 2). Computer simulation has verified its feasibility and validity.