Revolutionizing Imaging: Ultrafast All-Optical Hybrid Metasurfaces for THz Spectrometry and Single-Pixel Imaging

Recent advancements in photonics have led to the development of all-optical hybrid metasurfaces, which are transforming the landscape of terahertz (THz) spectrometry and imaging. These metasurfaces function as low-correlation, ultrafast spectral and spatial light modulators, paving the way for next-generation computational spectrometers and single-pixel imaging systems.

Traditionally, THz spectrometers and imaging devices have relied on mechanical delay lines and coherent detection techniques, which limit speed and scalability. The newly engineered hybrid metasurfaces replace these mechanical components with all-optical solutions, enabling rapid, high-resolution data acquisition and processing. This breakthrough not only enhances imaging speed but also improves the accuracy and flexibility of spectral and spatial modulation.

Key features of these hybrid metasurfaces include:

• Ultrafast Modulation: Capable of modulating light at terahertz frequencies, these metasurfaces significantly reduce data acquisition times.
• Low-Correlation Patterns: By generating complex, low-correlation modulation patterns, the metasurfaces enable efficient computational imaging and spectral analysis.
• All-Optical Operation: Eliminating the need for mechanical delay lines and electronic components, the system offers enhanced reliability and compactness.
• Versatile Applications: From single-pixel imaging to high-throughput spectrometry, these metasurfaces are poised to impact fields such as biomedical imaging, security screening, and material analysis.

For example, Tay et al. (2025) demonstrated terahertz chiral photonic-crystal cavities for Dirac gap engineering in graphene, showcasing the potential of hybrid metasurfaces in advanced photonic applications (Nat. Commun. 16, 5270). Similarly, Stantchev et al. have contributed to the field with innovative approaches to computational imaging and spectroscopy.

In summary, all-optical hybrid metasurfaces represent a significant leap forward in ultrafast, high-resolution THz spectrometry and imaging, offering a powerful alternative to conventional mechanical and electronic systems. As research progresses, these metasurfaces are expected to unlock new possibilities in science, technology, and industry.