Capturing high-quality images of fast-moving objects or events has always been a challenge in photography. Traditionally, ultrafast cameras have been expensive, limiting their accessibility for various applications. However, a recent breakthrough by researchers at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Canada, promises to revolutionize high-speed imaging by introducing an affordable camera design with similar imaging capabilities to expensive alternatives.
The diffraction-gated real-time ultrahigh-speed mapping (DRUM) camera, as described in a paper published in Optica, offers a cost-effective solution for ultrafast imaging. Led by Jinyang Liang from INRS, in collaboration with Concordia University and Meta Platforms Inc., the team developed a camera that can capture a dynamic event in a single exposure at an incredible rate of 4.8 million frames per second.
The key innovation behind the DRUM camera lies in its time-gating method, known as time-varying optical diffraction. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on mechanical shutters, DRUM photography utilizes light diffraction to control when light hits the sensor. By rapidly changing the tilt angle of periodic facets on a diffraction grating, the camera can sweep through different spatial positions, effectively gating out frames at different time points.
One of the most significant advantages of the DRUM camera is its accessibility. Unlike its expensive counterparts that can cost close to $100,000, the DRUM camera utilizes off-the-shelf components, making it considerably more affordable. Researchers estimate that the cost of building the DRUM camera would likely be less than a tenth of the cost of current ultrafast cameras.
The potential applications for the DRUM camera are vast and varied. Its affordable price point opens up possibilities for real-time monitoring of drug delivery, high-speed lidar systems for autonomous driving, advancements in biomedicine, and automation-enabling technologies. Faster imaging capabilities could significantly enhance the accuracy of hazard detection in lidar systems, while also contributing to medical breakthroughs in fields like nano-surgeries and laser-based cleaning applications.
While the DRUM camera already offers impressive imaging speed and spatial resolution, the research team is dedicated to further improving its performance. Future advancements aim to increase the imaging speed and sequence depth, allowing for even faster and more detailed ultrafast movies. The team also plans to explore the possibility of capturing color information and expanding the camera’s capabilities to be used in additional applications, such as lidar.
The development of the DRUM camera represents a significant step forward in high-speed imaging technology. By challenging the notion that ultrafast cameras must be expensive and complex, the researchers have created a cost-efficient solution with comparable imaging capabilities. This breakthrough has the potential to democratize high-speed imaging, making it accessible to a wider range of industries and applications.
The DRUM camera’s innovative time-gating method and affordability mark a new era in high-speed imaging. With its impressive imaging speed, spatial resolution, and compatibility with off-the-shelf components, this camera has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including biomedicine, automation, and lidar systems. As researchers continue to refine and enhance the camera’s capabilities, the future of ultrafast imaging looks promising.
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