Polarization-Multiplexed High-Throughput AOTF-Based Spectral Imaging System

Spectral imaging detection using acousto-optical tunable filters (AOTFs) faces a significant challenge of low throughput due to the traditional design that only receives a single polarization light. To overcome this issue, we propose a novel polarization multiplexing design and eliminate the need for crossed polarizers in the system. Our design allows for simultaneous collection of ±1 order light from the AOTF device, resulting in a more than two-fold increase in system throughput. Our analysis and experimental results validate the effectiveness of our design in improving system throughput and enhancing the imaging signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by approximately 8 dB. In addition, AOTF devices used in polarization multiplexing applications require optimized crystal geometry parameter design that does not follow the parallel tangent principle. This paper proposes an optimization strategy for arbitrary AOTF devices which can achieve similar spectral effects. The implications of this work are significant for target detection applications.