Hybrid imaging using linear retroreflectors.
It has been observed that retroreflective materials can be used in combination with beam splitters to produce real images. This is practical on a large size scale but has a maximum optical efficiency of 25%. Conversely, curved reflectors efficiently produce real images, but their cost increases very rapidly with size. We introduce a new imaging method, which combines the advantages of both systems, through the use of a linear retroreflective film. This material is retroreflective in one plane and conventionally reflective in the perpendicular plane. The net result is an efficient real image system that can have unlimited extent in one transverse direction, and which can be inexpensively manufactured on a large scale.
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