Lichtfeldes

Lichtfeldes is a theoretical construct in optics and computational imaging used to describe an extended representation of light that carries not only intensity and direction but also coherence, spectral content, and time. In this framework, Lichtfeldes generalizes conventional light-field concepts by modeling the full radiance as a high-dimensional function L(x, y, theta, phi, lambda, t), defined at a scene point (x, y) with direction (theta, phi), wavelength lambda, and time t. This richer representation aims to capture phenomena such as partial coherence and spectral dispersion, enabling more faithful rendering and more versatile imaging pipelines than traditional intensity-only models.

In imaging practice, Lichtfeldes informs both data acquisition and reconstruction. Plenoptic and coded-aperture cameras, combined with inverse problem techniques, seek to estimate a discretized Lichtfeldes from measurements, supporting post-capture refocusing, view synthesis, spectral rendering, and improved material estimation. The approach increases data volume and calibration complexity, requiring careful modeling of camera response, optical blur, and coherence properties. Challenges include noise sensitivity, computational cost, and the need for compact, stable representations for real-time applications.

Outside imaging, the concept also appears in theoretical discussions of light transport and optical coherence, influencing algorithms in holography, speckle reduction, and daylighting simulations. Lichtfeldes remains primarily a formal framework rather than a single standardized model, with various implementations sharing the goal of richer light description to enhance scene understanding and visual realism.