1. An optical system for imaging the features, ridges, and height variations of an object by exploiting the properties of specular reflection of light to maximize the contrast of the features, ridges, and height variations, the system comprising: a. a light source; b. a means for positioning the object to be imaged; c. a means for shaping the wave front of the light emitted from the light source so as to cause it to illuminate the object so as to produce a strong specular reflection; d. a means for focusing an image of the object using the reflected light; and e. an image sensor positioned so that the light reflected from the object creates the image on it.