Researchers at the University of Sussex used a single pixel camera at terahertz to capture shapes and even chemical compositions with great accuracy, according to McCombs. The technique USES time-resolved measurements to reproduce the complexity of the object.
The Sussex team used a terahertz pattern of light laser pointer with a broad spectrum of colors to illuminate objects. The team then used a single-pixel camera to capture how much light the object reflected off each pattern. Even if terahertz pulses are fleeting, the camera can detect how light pulses change over time as objects change. Based on this information and the shape of the pattern, the researchers were able to deduce the shape and composition of the object.
The researchers describe the new method as nonlinear ghostly imaging, which theoretically has the potential to surpass the most advanced imaging systems in the terahertz frequency range.
Researcher Juan Sebastian Totero Gongora says, “our method has resulted in a new kind of imaging technology that’s very different from the images that a standard single-pixel camera gets because it provides more information about objects. We also proved that our resolution was already higher than previous single-pixel images.”
“Before the terahertz single pixel camera methods cannot keep object complete information of the object, but we know where the problem is, and to determine the extract method, a more complete” Marco Peccianti professor says, “we hope that with our similar system can be used for practical application in the field of biology, medicine and safety, synchronous determination of chemical composition and spatial distribution of the object.”
In addition to its potential impact on terahertz cameras, nonlinear ghostly imaging is being used to design high-resolution cameras in other frequency ranges that can be integrated with collision sensors in self-driving cars, body scanners or ultra-high-speed radar technologies.