Signal-to-noise ratio in a frequency multiplexing imager

The signal-to-noise ratio (
S/N
) to be expected in a frequency multiplexing imager is calculated. It is shown that, for an ideal detector, the
S/N
is comparable to the two-dimensional (2D) scanning imager. For low performance detectors, the frequency multiplexing imager is noticeably better, and in limiting cases, file
S/N
approaches that of a BLIP system, independent of detector performance.