Resolution enhancement in retro-reflector based on aerial imaging using micro aperture arrays

For a floating display system using a prism or bread type retro-reflector, non-retro-reflected light is the key causes of the deterioration in image resolution. In the present study, a micro aperture array (pinhole array) is used to enhance image resolution of aerial imaging display based on prism and bread retro-reflector. The effects of different micro aperture parameters on the divergence angle and stray light of the retro-reflector are experimentally studied, and the modulation of the point spread function of different retro-reflectors is also explored in detail. The experimental results show that by properly arranging the micro aperture array, the divergence angle of the retro-reflective light can be effectively reduced; Moreover, the full width at half maxima of the point spread function of the retro reflector has been effectively narrowed. Finally, after the modulation of micro aperture array, the imaging resolution can be increased by 119% compared to the original one. The proposed micro array is low cost, easy processing and flexible when it is applied to retro-reflector based aerial imaging system to provide high image quality.