Focal plane filter array engineering I: rectangular lattices

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Sensor Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Focal plane arrays (FPAs) typically measure irradiance with limited spectral or polarization sensitivity.
• Spectral measurements often use color filter arrays, while polarization uses separate filter arrays.
• Existing methods for spectral and polarization filtering are distinct, despite shared design principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a unified formalism for designing periodic optical filter arrays on rectangular lattices.
• To provide a systematic approach for engineering filter arrays for diverse optical applications.
• To link the design and engineering methodology for color and polarization filter arrays.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of a mathematical formalism for periodic filter array design.
• Analysis of system description based on unit cells, pixel shape, and unit cell geometry.
• Application of the formalism to periodic tilings on a rectangular lattice.

Main Results:

• A complete formalism for designing any periodic filter array on a rectangular lattice.
• The formalism allows for a unified approach to engineering filter arrays.
• Enables precise control over channel structure for irradiance measurements.

Conclusions:

• The derived formalism provides a unified framework for designing periodic optical filter arrays.
• This approach simplifies the engineering of filter arrays for both spectral and polarization measurements.
• The method is applicable to various optical filter types and lattice structures for irradiance detection.