Imaging with frequency-modulated reticles

A novel imaging technique in which frequency-modulated retides encode different pixel locations by light modulation is presented. In this technique a reticle modulates different pixel locations at different frequencies, and photodetectors collect the resulting signals. Filters decode these signals to recreate the image on a display. The technique allows multiplexing many pixels onto a fewer number of detectors by utilizing the bandwidth of the detectors more effectively. Since frequency modulation creates an additional dimension for the detector, a single detector can function as a linear array, a linear array can function as a staring array, or the additional dimension can be used to convey spectral or other information. At wavelengths requiring expensive focal plane components, costs can be greatly reduced.