Virtually structured illumination for terahertz super-resolution imaging

We demonstrate far-field super-resolution imaging in the terahertz (THz) frequency band by using a structured illumination via the virtually structured detection (VSD) method. Leveraging our previously reported high-speed, high-sensitivity atomic-based THz imager, we achieve a resolution enhancement of (74 ± 3)% at 0.55 THz, without the aid of deconvolution methods. We show a high-speed THz imaging system is compatible with the use of advanced optical techniques, with potential disruptive effects on applications requiring both high speed and high spatial resolution imaging in the THz range.