Disclosed is a method and
system for simultaneously acquiring and producing results for
multiple image modes using a common sensor without optical filtering, scanning, or other
moving parts. The
system and method utilize the Walsh-Hadamard correlation detection process (e.g., functions / matrix) to provide an all-binary structure that permits seamless bridging between analog and digital domains. An embodiment may capture an incoming optical
signal at an optical aperture, convert the optical
signal to an electrical
signal, pass the electrical signal through a Low-
Noise Amplifier (LNA) to create an LNA signal, pass the LNA signal through one or more correlators where each correlator has a corresponding Walsh-Hadamard (WH) binary
basis function, calculate a correlation output coefficient for each correlator as a function of the corresponding WH binary
basis function in accordance with Walsh-Hadamard mathematical principles, digitize each of the correlation output coefficient by passing each correlation output coefficient through an Analog-to-
Digital Converter (ADC), and performing
image mode processing on the digitized correlation output coefficients as desired to produce one or more image
modes. Some, but not all, potential image
modes include: multi-channel access, temporal, range, three-dimensional, and synthetic aperture.