An investigation of the potential for the use of a high resolution adaptive coded aperture system in the mid-wave infrared

摘要: Previous applications of coded aperture imaging (CAI) have been mainly in the energetic parts electro-magnetic spectrum, such as gamma ray astronomy, where few viable alternatives exist. In addition, resolution requirements typically low (~ mrad). This paper investigates prospects for and advantages using CAI at longer wavelengths (visible, infrared) at higher resolutions, also considers benefits adaptive techniques. The latter enable to achieve reconfigurable modes imaging, well improving system performance other ways, enhanced image quality. It is shown that has several potential over more traditional optical systems some applications these wavebands. merits include mass, volume moments inertia, potentially lower costs, graceful failure modes, steerable fields regard with no macroscopic moving inherently encrypted data streams. Among challenges associated this new approach are effects diffraction, interference, photon absorption mask scene contrasts infrared analyzes some and presents results tradeoffs performance, radiometric calculations illustrate the consequences a mid-infrared application. A requires decoding algorithm order form an image and the discusses novel approaches, tailored wavelength operation. concludes by presenting initial experimental results.