Simultaneous real-time visible and infrared video with single-pixel detectors
Matthew P Edgar1, Graham M Gibson1, Richard W Bowman2
1SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
Scientific Reports
|May 23, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a real-time single-pixel video camera capable of imaging in visible and short-wave infrared light. This innovative technology overcomes limitations of conventional cameras, enabling applications like night vision and medical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Computational Imaging
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Conventional cameras use pixelated sensors for spatial resolution.
- An alternative uses a pixelated transmission mask and single-pixel detectors for image reconstruction via data inversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the single-pixel camera concept to real-time video.
- To achieve simultaneous visible and short-wave infrared imaging.
- To demonstrate versatile imaging capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Developed an efficient computer algorithm for real-time video processing.
- Utilized a pixelated transmission mask with binary patterns.
- Employed single-pixel detectors to measure filtered intensities.
Main Results:
- Achieved continuous real-time video at 10 Hz.
- Demonstrated simultaneous imaging in visible and short-wave infrared spectra.
- Successfully imaged through smoke and a tinted screen.
- Performed compressive sampling and recovered high-resolution detail.
- Showcased arbitrary control over mask pixel-binning.
Conclusions:
- Real-time single-pixel video cameras offer a low-cost alternative to conventional imaging systems.
- This technology is valuable in scenarios where pixelated sensors are limited.
- Potential applications include night vision, gas sensing, and medical diagnostics.
