Terahertz single-pixel video based on a matrix-addressable infrared vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser array

Abstract

Terahertz single-pixel imaging technology, which utilizes the unique properties of terahertz waves in combination with a single-pixel detector, offers an effective solution to the scarcity of high-performance focal-plane array detectors in the terahertz regime. However, its widespread application has been hindered primarily by low imaging frame rates. In this study, we propose a high-speed terahertz single-pixel imaging approach based on a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser array. By integrating a custom-designed 32×32 infrared vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser module with field-programmable gate array-based control and optimized Hadamard encoding, our system overcomes the mechanical switching limitations of conventional digital micromirror devices. Experimental results show the system achieves real-time imaging at 25 frames per second under full sampling. Furthermore, under undersampling conditions, the frame rate reaches 50 fps. Compared to existing methods, our approach improves the imaging speed by an order of magnitude at equivalent resolution while preserving full sampling capability. This advancement offers a fast and efficient solution for dynamic terahertz imaging, with strong potential for applications in security screening, biomedical diagnostics, and beyond.