Compact single-shot ranging and near-far imaging using metasurfaces

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact metasurface imaging system that captures multiple images at different ranges simultaneously, enabling passive ranging and near-far imaging in a small form factor.

Contribution

The work demonstrates a metasurface-based system capable of multi-range imaging and passive ranging with high accuracy, all within a 15 mm compact device.

Findings

Achieves ±1 mm depth accuracy from 12 mm to 20 mm.

Captures near and far images simultaneously on a shared sensor.

System size is only 15 mm, suitable for edge applications.

Abstract

We present a metasurface imaging system capable of simultaneously capturing two images at close range (1-2~cm) and an additional image at long range (about 40~cm) on a shared photosensor. The close-range image pair focuses at 1.4~cm and 2.0~cm, respectively, which forms a focal stack, enabling passive ranging with an accuracy of $\pm$1~mm from 12~mm to 20~mm through a computationally efficient depth-from-defocus algorithm for a simplified scenario. The entire system is compact, with a total track length of 15~mm, making it suitable for seamless integration into edge platforms for defense and other resource-constrained applications.