Plenoptic cameras for in-situ micro imaging

This work discusses the benefits of plenoptic cameras for future hand lens imagers for in-situ planetology. Such cameras offer advantages over conventional cameras, especially at the small working distance that are common for in-situ micro imaging. For example, the extension of the depth of field without a focus mechanism while maintaining a more open aperture at the same time. Additionally, textured depth maps as well as views with small perspective changes are possible, all from a single recorded image. We present a brief introduction of the plenoptic camera technology and examples from laboratory experiments.