Super-resolution and super-robust single-pixel superposition compound eye

Abstract

Deep understanding of biological superposition compound eye provides great opportunities in developing imaging systems with features beyond current planar detector array based imaging devices. However, artificial superposition compound eyes are designed on the basis of a planar detector array and that subsequently leads to the complex optical design and degradation of imaging quality inevitably. We propose a single-pixel superposition compound eye (SPSCE), whose imaging resolution has been improved two orders of magnitude than the number of ommatidia without subsequent image processing. SPSCE has the ability to capture the whole acceptable image of objects even if almost one-third of ommatidia at random positions are not working, which makes it possible to operate reliably even in the damaged state. SPSCE has the capacity to image beyond the actual visual field of the target without observing directly. With only one lateral sub-eye working and deviating from the visual field of the target by 20.41∘, SPSCE obtains the complete and recognizable image of the target independently through the diffuse reflection optical information of the surrounding environment. The unique super-robust character of SPSCE with its super-resolution property contributes to developing anti-interference artificial compound eyes, unlocking the limit toward development of much higher imaging resolution artificial superposition compound eyes.