Multi-beam diffraction grating imager apparatus and method

A method for producing an image using an imaging system comprising the steps of:

• transmitting a series of pulses of energy at a predetermined pulse rate through a quadrature diffraction grating transducer QDGT toward an object to be imaged to generate a plurality of beams at different angles corresponding to a plurality of frequencies;
• disposing a lens in optical alignment between said QDGT and said object for physically separating different angle beams produced by said QDGT and focusing said beams to produce an array of focused points at spatial positions on said object;
• receiving reflected signals from said object having frequencies corresponding to said spatial positions;
• simultaneously filtering said reflected signals to produce sample image data sets corresponding to spatial positions at particular time intervals;
• rotating said QDGT and said lens about said object for generating sample image data sets at other predetermined spatial positions;
• and
• summing said sample image data sets at each of said predetermined spatial positions for producing an image from said sample image data sets.

A method for producing an image using an imaging system comprising the steps of:

• providing a diffraction grating transducer formed of an array of parallel transducer elements, each having different spacing values such that diffraction at one end of said array occurs at a first angle, and diffraction at a second end of said array occurs at a second angle greater than said first angle;
• transmitting a pulse of energy through said diffraction grating transducer toward an object to be imaged to generate multiple beams at different angles corresponding to multiple frequencies;
• focusing said beams to produce an array of focused points at spatial positions on said object, each corresponding to a particular one of said multiple frequencies, and having reflected signals from said object having frequencies corresponding to said spatial positions;
• and
• simultaneously filtering said reflected signals at distinct frequencies to produce sample image data sets corresponding to the reflectivity of said spatial positions and frequencies at particular time intervals.