Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for coherent hybrid electromagnetic field imaging of a target, where an energy source is used to generate a propagating electromagnetic beam, an electromagnetic beam splitting means to split the beam into two or more coherently matched beams of about equal amplitude, and where the spatial and temporal self-coherence between each two or more coherently matched beams is preserved. Two or more differential modulation means are employed to modulate each two or more coherently matched beams with a time-varying polarization, frequency, phase, and amplitude signal. An electromagnetic beam combining means is used to coherently combine said two or more coherently matched beams into a coherent electromagnetic beam. One or more electromagnetic beam controlling means are used for collimating, guiding, or focusing the coherent electromagnetic beam. One or more apertures are used for transmitting and receiving the coherent electromagnetic beam to and from the target.

Abstract: A system and method for target identification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light source emits a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is shorter than one millimeter. The beam is split by a beam splitter into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is modulated by a first modulating device to form a first modulated portion. The second portion is modulated by a second modulating device to form a second modulated portion. The first and second modulating devices may each take the form of a single modulator. Alternately, the first and second modulating devices may each take the form of a plurality of modulators. The first and second modulated portions are combined by a beam combiner to form a hybrid beam. The hybrid beam is directed to an aperture, where it is radiated toward a reflective target. A reflected portion of the beam is reflected off the reflective target in the direction of the aperture.