Monocular depth sensing using metalens

3-D depth sensing is essential for many applications ranging from consumer electronics to robotics. Passive depth sensing techniques based on a double-helix (DH) point-spread-function (PSF) feature high depth estimation precision, minimal power consumption, and reduced system complexity compared to active sensing methods. Here, we propose and experimentally implemented a polarization-multiplexed DH metalens designed using an autonomous direct search algorithm, which utilizes two contra-rotating DH PSFs encoded in orthogonal polarization states to enable monocular depth perception. Using a reconstruction algorithm that we developed, concurrent depth calculation and scene reconstruction with minimum distortion and high resolution in all three dimensions were demonstrated.

Automated summary

3-D depth sensing is crucial for various applications. Passive depth sensing techniques based on a double-helix point-spread-function (PSF) feature advantages such as high depth estimation precision, minimal power consumption, and reduced system complexity compared to active sensing methods. In this study, we propose and experimentally implement a polarization-multiplexed DH metalens designed using an autonomous direct search algorithm. By utilizing two contra-rotating DH PSFs encoded in orthogonal polarization states, monocular depth perception is achieved, and concurrent depth calculation and scene reconstruction with minimum distortion and high resolution in all three dimensions are demonstrated using a developed reconstruction algorithm.