Phase unwrapping algorithms: A comparison

Over the last few years a great deal of work has been done to improve the reliability of phase unwrapping algorithms. Many articles are to be found in the technical literature claiming the robustness and noise immunity of the proposed algorithm. Examination of the latest published works reveals that the authors have adopted completely different approaches, with the result that the algorithms are not readily comparable. Moreover the computational effort involved in each solution method varies largely. Here the authors attempt a rigorous analysis of some of the most widely used algorithms. Their performance in solving "standard" tests at various noise levels are compared with the exact solution; the solution time is also considered. A simple "recipes table" is then proposed binding image quality and unwrapping algorithm.