Image multiplexer using a planar microlens array

An image multiplexer (IMX) composed of a planar microlens array is proposed for an input device of an optical parallel processing system. Imaging properties were evaluated experimentally and numerically to find a design rule and the limitations of use of the IMX. As a result, it was found that a planar microlens has a relatively good distortion property and low MTF sensitivity for oblique imaging, even if an image height goes to as high as 60% of the lens radius. Furthermore, a compensation method for image shift nonlinearity is proposed. The effective lens number in an array is estimated.