Evaluation of a micromirror array based sensor system for optical velocity measurements using the Spatial Filter Velocimetry approach

Today, digital micromirror devices (DMD) are mainly used for multimedia applications like image or video projection and in some cases for structured light measurements. But like most optical devices, DMDs can also be used in the opposite direction to collect the light from an object instead of illuminating it. This paper shows the potential of DMDs for velocity and path measurement applications based on the well known spatial filter technique. Used as a spatial filter, the DMD combines the advantages of a fixed grid (fast, high dynamic range) with the flexibility of structured receivers like CCD- or CMOS-Matrix sensors.