Refractive Optically Multiplexed LWIR Imaging System

Using a novel computational imaging architecture, we double the field of view of a long-wave infrared microbolometer camera while maintaining resolution. Due to the compact designs enabled by this architecture and the critical impact of resolution on classification performance, this approach is compelling for surveillance applications where low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) systems are desired. We detail the optical design, characterization, and performance of a compact, refractive, optically multiplexed imaging system for use in the long-wave infrared (8-12 mu m). A pair of prisms are used to divide the aperture and expose the uncooled microbolometer focal plane to two fields of view simultaneously, doubling the number of output pixels and the horizontal field of view. The image is reconstructed by rotating the prisms about the optical axis, inducing opposing vertical shifts in the two channels. Focal length, field of view, MTF, and NEDT are used to compare performance to a conventional camera. Shifting methods for proper demultiplexing are discussed, and reconstructed images are offered as a demonstration of system performance.