Three-channel-switchable coded aperture snapshot multispectral polarization imaging

An ingenious and compact snapshot multispectral polarization imaging method is proposed based on a new, to the best of our knowledge, three-channel-switchable spectral polarization coded aperture. We utilize the coded aperture to simultaneously select three-channel light components and encode them with specific spectrum-polarization coefficients. It enables easy retrieval of each channel's light component from the mixed information via polarization measurements and linear decoding operations. Distinct three-channel light components can be detected simultaneously, thus achieving either three spectral images or linearly polarized ones per snapshot. The number of detectable light components is unlimited and triple that of snapshot times, showing its superior capability in measuring spectral polarization properties. The resulting prototype is miniaturized, featuring compact dimensions of Φ5.5 cm × 25 cm and a light weight of ∼800 g. This is attributed to its simplistic structure comprising a monochrome polarization detector and an imaging lens integrated with the coded aperture, making it suitable for portable and on-board applications. Furthermore, the absence of advanced or costly production technologies for manufacturing the prototype ensures an affordable price for its acquisition, facilitating widespread adoption and application of the proposed method.