A Hybrid Lens to Realize Electrical Real-Time Super-Resolution Imaging

Abstract

Real-time dynamic super-resolution focusing technology is crucial for various imaging applications. However, the diffraction limit significantly impedes the achievement of real-time dynamic super-resolution imaging. Prior studies within this domain, such as super-resolution fluorescence imaging and structured illumination microscopy, heavily rely on fluorescent labels and intricate algorithms. This article proposes a novel approach to achieving real-time dynamic super-resolution imaging at microwave frequency by integrating the Mikaelian lens derived from conformal transformation optics with the space-time-coding metasurface antenna. Real-time dynamic super-resolution focusing with a resolution ranging from 0.3λ to 0.4λ is demonstrated at the periphery of the Mikaelian lens with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.54. The proposed hybrid lens exhibits the capacity to discern features separated by about one-third of a wavelength with high precision. The work offers a universal solution for achieving dynamic real-time super-resolution imaging electrically, which can be extended to terahertz waves, visible light, and other wave fields, such as acoustic and flexural waves.