Shift-encoded optically multiplexed imaging

• Main Authors: Shah, Vinay N. (Contributor), Rachlin, Yaron (Contributor), Shepard III, R. Hamilton (Contributor), Shih, Tina (Contributor)
• Other Authors: Lincoln Laboratory (Contributor)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SPIE, 2017-06-16T19:06:52Z.
• Subjects: Article
• Online Access: Get fulltext

 In a multiplexed image, multiple fields-of-view (FoVs) are superimposed onto a common focal plane. The attendant gain in sensor FoV provides a new degree of freedom in the design of an imaging system, allowing for performance tradeoffs not available in traditional optical designs. We explore design choices relating to a shift-encoded optically multiplexed imaging system and discuss their performance implications. Unlike in a traditional imaging system, a single multiplexed image has a fundamental ambiguity regarding the location of objects in the image. We present a system that can shift each FoV independently to break this ambiguity and compare it to other potential disambiguation techniques. We then discuss the optical, mechanical, and encoding design choices of a shift-encoding midwave infrared imaging system that multiplexes six 15×15  deg FoVs onto a single one megapixel focal plane. Using this sensor, we demonstrate a computationally demultiplexed wide FoV video.