Broadband Rapid Polarization Manipulation and Imaging Based on Pancharatnam‐Berry Optical Elements

Abstract

Polarization imaging, which can reveal indiscernible information that cannot easily be detected with traditional intensity cameras, plays a crucial role in many research fields. There are two main types of polarization imaging methods: time‐division multiplexed polarization imaging and space‐division multiplexed polarization imaging. These two methods confront the problems of temporal and spatial resolution reduction. In this work, a rapid linear‐polarization arbitrary manipulation technique based on Pancharatnam–Berry Optical Elements is proposed and achieved as an arbitrary polarization manipulation module with a manipulation speed of up to 899 Hz. Applying this compact modulator to optical or microscopic imaging systems can easily establish a rapid, high‐resolution polarization imaging system. This method is verified at microscopic detection, indoor and outdoor photographic experiments, visible and near‐infrared bands, exhibiting excellent imaging results. It is proven as a valid approach to solve the major dilemma of the incompatibility between temporal and spatial resolution in polarization imaging, it also highlights the potential of multidimensional imaging applications.