Abstract

Multiplex coding of optical images is discussed for photon-counting operation in both the signal- and dark-count-dominated domains. Both intensity measurement and signal detection are discussed. The advantage of multiplex operation in both situations is demonstrated and comparison made with alternative imaging techniques. The effects of code noise, detector area, response time, and dynamic range are discussed. It is shown that in dark-count-dominated operation, e.g., ir imaging applications, the limiting factor on multiplex gain is the light collection following image coding. Higher bandwidth detection is also required: for instance, a typical ir detector transmitting a 100 × 100 element image with individual element resolution of 2⁵ will need a total dynamic range of 2¹² and an exponential response time a factor of 2.4 faster than for a single detector.

© 1976 Optical Society of America

Multiplex Advantage in the Detection of Optical Images in the Photon Noise Limit

C. J. Oliver and E. R. Pike
Appl. Opt. 13(1) 158-161 (1974)

Hadamard transform imager and imaging spectrometer

Roderick D. Swift, Richard B. Wattson, John A. Decker, Ralph Paganetti, and Martin Harwit
Appl. Opt. 15(6) 1595-1609 (1976)

Image processing by nutation: an analysis

Paul Diament
Appl. Opt. 15(6) 1573-1583 (1976)

SNR in photocounting images of rough objects in partially coherent light

Marek Elbaum and Paul Diament
Appl. Opt. 15(9) 2268-2275 (1976)

Photoelectron counting with an image intensifier tube and a self-scanned photodiode array

Bill R. Sandel and A. Lyle Broadfoot
Appl. Opt. 15(12) 3111-3114 (1976)