Multiplex sensors and the constant radiance theorem

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Photonics
• Quantum Optics

Background:

• The constant radiance theorem is fundamental in understanding light propagation in optical systems.
• Coherent mode representation offers a powerful framework for analyzing the cross-spectral density of light.
• Existing theorems may have limitations in general applicability to diverse linear optical systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive a modal analog of the constant radiance theorem applicable to general linear optical systems.
• To establish a theoretical foundation for analyzing the interplay between spatial detector geometry and multiplexing capacity.
• To extend the understanding of light propagation and information capacity in optical systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the coherent mode representation of the cross-spectral density.
• Deriving a generalized modal analog of the constant radiance theorem.
• Applying the derived theorem to analyze the relationship between detector geometry and multiplexing capacity.

Main Results:

• A novel modal analog of the constant radiance theorem with broad applicability to linear optical systems was successfully derived.
• The theorem provides a framework to quantitatively analyze the impact of spatial detector geometry on multiplexing capacity.
• Demonstrated the utility of coherent mode representation in extending fundamental optical theorems.

Conclusions:

• The derived modal analog of the constant radiance theorem offers a significant advancement in optical system analysis.
• This work establishes a theoretical link between spatial detector design and information carrying capacity.
• The findings have implications for the design and optimization of advanced optical communication and sensing systems.