A simple multipurpose double-beam optical image analyzer

摘要

In the paper we present a low cost optical device which splits the light inthe focal plane into two separate optical paths and collimates it back into asingle image plane, and where a selective information processing ca be carriedout. The optical system is straightforward and easy implementable as itconsists of only three lens and two mirrors. The system is dedicated forimaging in low-light-level conditions in which widely used optical devices,based on beam-splitters or dichroic mirrors, suffer from light loss. We exposeexamples of applications of our device, using a prototype model. The proposedoptical system may be employed for: monitoring the objects located in differentdistances from observer (1), creating regions of different magnification withina single image plane (2), high dynamic range photometry (3), or imaging in twowavelength bands simultaneously (4).