The invention describes an optical multiplexer for increasing optical data collection efficiency across at least two fields of view. The optical multiplexer includes a first optical path for operatively receiving optical data from a first field of view and at least one beam deflection system for operatively receiving optical data from at least a second field of view. The optical multiplexer also includes an optical train for focusing the optical data passing through the optical train onto adjacent sections of a focal plane array. The invention provides improvements including expanded across-track swaths, higher spatial resolution, imaging of real-time references on every frame, coincident imaging along separate paths, stereo imaging and other increases in imaging functionality.