Novel Imaging Devices: Coding Masks and Varifocal Systems

For designing novel imaging devices, we use masks coded with numerical sequences. These masks work in conjunction with varifocal systems that implement zero-throw tunable magnification. Some masks control field depth, even when the size of the pupil aperture remains fixed. Pairs of vortex masks are used for implementing tunable phase radial profiles, like axicons and lenses. The autocorrelation properties of the Barker sequences are applied to the generation of narrow passband windows on the OTF. For this application, we apply the Barker matrices in rectangular coordinates. A similar procedure, but now in polar coordinates, is useful for sensing in-plane rotations. We implement geometrical transformations by using zero-throw, tunable anamorphic magnifications.