Spatial Ensemble Mapping for Coded Aperture Imaging—A Tutorial

Coded aperture imaging (CAI) is a well-established computational imaging technique consisting of two steps, namely the optical recording of an object using a coded mask, followed by a computational reconstruction using a computational algorithm using a pre-recorded point spread function (PSF). In this tutorial, we introduce a simple yet elegant technique called spatial ensemble mapping (SEM) for CAI that allows us to tune the axial resolution post-recording from a single camera shot recorded using an image sensor. The theory, simulation studies, and proof-of-concept experimental studies of SEM-CAI are presented. We believe that the developed approach will benefit microscopy, holography, and smartphone imaging systems.