Imaging systems

Abstract

An imaging system according to the invention includes: a matrix of light modulating elements including first and second elements for respectively transmitting first and second image components; a polarizing element having a first polarization axis for linearly polarizing light from the first and second elements; a first optical retardation element incorporating at least one first retarder having first and second regions respectively having a first optic axis at a first orientation and a second option axis at a second orientation to the first polarization axis; and a detecting element having first and second detecting parts, each detecting part including respective second optical retardation element incorporating at least one second retarder and an analyzing element having a second polarization axis intended to be disposed at a defined orientation relative to the first polarization axis, at least one second retarder of the first detecting part having an optic axis which is intended to be disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first optic axis and transversely to the second optic axis of the at least one first retarder, and at least one second retarder of the second detecting part having an optic axis which is intended to be disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second optic axis and transversely to the first optic axis of the at least one first retarder. Substantially only light relating to the first image component is transmitted by the first detecting part and substantially only light relating to the second image component is transmitted by the second detecting part.