Imaging method based on the combination of microlens arrays and aperture arrays

Conventional imaging methods will cause a serious distortion for large object plane imaging with a limited object-to-sensor distance (OTSD). Here, we propose an imaging method based on the combination of microlens arrays and aperture arrays to realize the low-distortion, large object plane imaging range (OPIR) and compact design imaging at a close OTSD. Two-stage microlens arrays are utilized to reduce the distance between the object and sensor with low distortion, and two-stage aperture arrays are sandwiched between the microlens arrays to eliminate stray light between different microlenses. The theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that our proposed method can realize low-distortion imaging with a large OPIR when the OTSD is seriously limited. This imaging method can be used widely in small-size optical devices where the OTSD is extremely limited.