Single-pixel super-resolution with a space–time modulated computational metasurface imager

Single-pixel imaging is a burgeoning computational imaging technique that utilizes a single detector devoid of spatial resolution to capture an image, offering great potential for creating cost-effective and simplified imaging systems. Nevertheless, achieving super-resolution with a single pixel remains a formidable challenge. Here, we introduce a single-pixel super-resolution imaging technique based on space–time modulation. The modulation parametrically mixes the incoming signals, enabling the space–time scattered signals of the object carrying finer details to be captured by the single-pixel imaging system. To validate our proposed technique, we designed and fabricated a computational metasurface imager that needs only a single transmitting port and a single receiving port. The achieved resolution surpasses the Abbe resolution limit. The principle of our proposed technique is well-suited for low-cost and compact imaging systems.