Scanning heterodyne reconstruction of coded aperture images

The reconstruction of coded aperture images using an optical scanning heterodyne processor is described for a class of apertures which can be synthesized by two beam interference. The analysis of Fresnel zone apertures indicates that a lateral and longitudinal (tomographic) resolution close to the theoretical limit is achievable. Experimental results of optical simulations confirm this assertion. Advantages of such technique include real-time operation and large multiplexing capability.