Resolution improvement in an aerial imaging by retroreflector using micro aperture arrays

For a floating display system using a prism- or bead-type retroreflector, non-retroreflected light is the key cause of the deterioration in image resolution. In the present study, a micro aperture array was used to enhance the image resolution of aerial imaging displays based on prism and bead retroreflectors. The effects of different micro aperture parameters on the divergence angle of the retroreflector were experimentally studied, and the modulation of the point spread function of different retroreflectors was also explored in detail. The experimental results showed that by properly arranging the micro aperture array, the divergence angle of the retroreflective light could be effectively reduced. Moreover, the full width at half maximum of the point spread function of the retroreflector was effectively narrowed. Finally, after the modulation of the micro aperture array, the imaging resolution was increased by 115%–150% compared to the original resolution. The proposed micro array is low cost, easy to process, and flexible and can be applied to a retroreflector-based aerial imaging system to provide high image quality.