Programmable Spectral Filter Arrays using Phase Spatial Light Modulators

Abstract

Computational imaging has always benefited from tools that modulate light along the many dimensions of its plenoptic function. This paper provides a practical architecture for achieving spatially varying spectral modulation using a liquid crystal phase spatial light modulator (SLM). The use of a phase SLM, however, results in strong optical aberrations due to the unintended phase modulation, thereby precluding spectral modulation at high spatial resolutions. To mitigate this, we provide a careful and systematic analysis of the aberrations arising out of phase SLMs for the purpose of spatially varying spectral modulation; this analysis results in a dual strategy of “good patterns” that minimize the optical aberrations and a deep restoration network that overcomes any residual aberrations. We show a number of unique operating points with our prototype including single- and multi-image hyperspectral imaging, material classification (fewer than two images), and dynamic spectral filtering at video rates.

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