System and method for x-ray compatible 2D streak camera for a snapshot multiframe imager

A snapshot, multiframe photography system for imaging a scene, the system comprising:

• a random aperture element forming a plate, the plate having a plurality of randomly spaced apertures having dimensions in a range of microns to hundreds of microns in diameter;
• wherein the random aperture element receives light representing spatial information from the scene being imaged;
• a random mask having a plurality of micron-scale apertures,
• wherein the random mask is spaced apart from the random aperture element,
• wherein the light passes through the random aperture element and impinges the random mask, and
• wherein the random mask generates a plurality of encoded image frames, the plurality of encoded image frames encoded in a spatial domain;
• an imaging element disposed adjacent the random mask, including a photocathode, configured to operate in a drift-scan mode to receive the plurality of encoded image frames, and generating from the plurality of encoded image frames a streaked pattern of electrons representing a plurality of images of the scene at a plurality of different times;
• and
• a computer configured to analyze the streaked pattern of electrons and mathematically reconstruct the plurality of images.

A method for performing multiframe photography to image a scene, the method comprising:

• using a random aperture element having at least one aperture on a scale of microns to hundreds of microns in diameter, disposed adjacent a scene to be imaged;
• using a random mask having a plurality of micron-scale apertures, spaced apart from the random aperture element, to receive light representing spatial information from the scene being imaged, wherein the light passes through the random aperture element and impinges the random mask;
• using the random mask to generate a plurality of encoded image frames, the plurality of encoded image frames being encoded in a spatial domain;
• using an imaging element disposed adjacent the random mask, and operating in a drift-scan mode, to receive the plurality of encoded image frames and to generate from the plurality of encoded image frames a streaked pattern of electrons representing a plurality of images of the scene at a plurality of different times;
• and
• using a computer to analyze the streaked pattern of electrons and to mathematically reconstruct the plurality of images.