Transmissive optical imaging device with micromirror array

We propose a new imaging optics called the Transmissive Mirror Device (TMD). It consists of numerous micromirrors placed perpendicular to the surface of a flat, thin metal plate. The micro-mirror array is implemented by the inner walls of minute square holes, which are densely pitted on the device. The basic mode of operation is based on two reflections by a pair of adjacent mutually perpendicular mirrors, i.e., a dihedral corner reflector. Although the principal of operation is based on reflection by mirrors, the device is also transmissive and deflects light. Since this imaging system forms a real image at a plane symmetric point, the depth of the 3D image is inverted. Its optical defects are low optical transmittance and stray light caused by non-reflected light and that reflected once. We manufactured the device experimentally with nano-precision machining technology and also evaluated it.