Iris imaging systems must capture iris images of sufficient quality to populate an enrollment database or to provide probe images that reliably match to existing enrollment images. From whatever distance they are taken, the iris images must therefore resolve information from the iris sufficient for the task of recognition. This chapter reviews concepts of optics and photography needed to specify requirements on the image acquisition components of systems which create iris images for the purpose of recognition. We consider fundamental and practical limitations of components of such systems and consider as examples, iris imaging systems that operate at 0.3 and 3m on constrained and relatively unconstrained subjects.

Iris recognition is one of the most accurate forms of biometric identifi- cation. However, current commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems generally impose significant constraints on the subject. This chapter discusses techniques for iris image capture that reduce those constraints, in particular enabling iris image capture from moving subjects and at greater distances than have been available in the COTS systems. The chapter also includes background information that enables the reader to put these innovations into context.

We demonstrate a photonic integrated circuit using a novel monolithic integration platform combining InGaAsP gain elements and index matched amorphous silicon waveguide devices. The AWG based multi-frequency laser emits eight 100-GHz-spaced wavelengths near 1550 nm.

Low loss, single mode rib waveguides, based on PECVD deposited multi-layer amorphous silicon are fabricated. These waveguide are refractive index and mode-matched to III/V laser waveguides. Methods for monolithic integration of these passive amorphous silicon waveguides with InGaAsP/InP gain sections are demonstrated. Results of a multi-wavelength laser based on an amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating integrated on a single chip with InGaAsP gain sections are presented.