Deep learning and superoscillatory speckles empowered multimode fiber probe for in situ nano-displacement detection and micro-imaging

L Lele Wang Y Yiwei Zhang (State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica) Y Yibing Zhou Y Yuan Meng Z Zhengyang Lu P Pei Li (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China) H Hailong Zhang D Dan Li P Ping Yan Q Qirong Xiao Q Qiang Liu

Abstract

Abstract High-precision metrology has laid the foundation for semiconductor fabrication and life sciences. However, existing displacement measurement approaches are incapable of performing flexible probing within complex equipment interiors. Here, we present a in situ, non-contact nano-displacement measurement approach. Leveraging a multimode fiber probe empowered by deep learning, fine feature information can be efficiently extracted from superoscillatory speckles, achieving single-ended detection with 10 nm resolution and 99.95% accuracy. A physical model is established to correlate the displacement with higher-order modes proportion in the fiber. Sub-millimeter-sized probe enables detecting targets with different structures in confined spaces. Robust recognition is achieved through joint learning, under varying fiber bending conditions and different metal materials. With extreme compression ratios of less than 0.1%, the system delivers high accuracy, low training costs, and high-speed processing. The imaging capability of the probe is also experimentally validated, proving potential as a powerful tool in applications such as lithography, weak force sensing, and super-resolution micro-endoscopy.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 17, Issue 1
Published January 05, 2026
ISSN 2041-1723
Publisher Nature Portfolio

Journal Info

Nature Communications

Nature Portfolio

ISSN: 2041-1723 Open Access Life Sciences

Authors (11)

L

Lele Wang

Y

Yiwei Zhang

State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica

Y

Yibing Zhou

Y

Yuan Meng

Z

Zhengyang Lu

P

Pei Li

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China

H

Hailong Zhang

D

Dan Li

P

Ping Yan

Q

Qirong Xiao

Q

Qiang Liu