Ghost projection. II. Beam shaping using realistic spatially-random masks

TL;DR

This paper investigates a novel beam shaping method called ghost projection, which uses a transversely displaced random mask instead of traditional configurable optical elements, with a focus on hard x-ray applications and experimental limitations.

Contribution

It introduces and analyzes ghost projection as a new approach for beam shaping using static random masks, expanding potential applications to various radiation and matter wave fields.

Findings

Photon shot noise impacts projection quality

Inaccuracies in mask exposure time reduce accuracy

Mask positioning errors affect the fidelity of the projection

Abstract

Spatial light modulation is important for many scientific and industrial applications. The spatial light modulator and optical data projector both rely on precisely configurable optical elements to shape a light beam. Here we explore an image-projection approach which does not require a configurable beam-shaping element. We term this approach ghost projection on account of its conceptual relation to computational ghost imaging. Instead of a configurable beam shaping element, the method transversely displaces a single illuminated mask, such as a spatially-random screen, to create specified distributions of radiant exposure. The method has potential applicability to image projection employing a variety of radiation and matter wave fields, such as hard x rays, neutrons, muons, atomic beams and molecular beams. Building on our previous theoretical and computational studies, we here seek to understand the effects, sensitivity, and tolerance of some key experimental limitations of the method. Focusing on the case of hard x rays, we employ experimentally acquired masks to numerically study the deleterious effects of photon shot noise, inaccuracies in random-mask exposure time, and inaccuracies in mask positioning, as well as adapting to spatially non-uniform illumination. Understanding the influence of these factors will assist in optimizing experimental design and work towards achieving ghost projection in practice.