High-speed cameras are revolutionizing both fundamental and applied science by capturing events that happen too quickly for the human eye to perceive. However, existing ultrafast cameras struggle when it comes to capturing complex, extended 3D scenes — until now.

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To overcome this challenge, we developed Light Field Tomography (LIFT), an advanced imaging technique designed to capture fast 3D scenes in incredible detail. LIFT transforms a one-dimensional (1D) sensor into a 2D light field camera. This is possible because conventional light field cameras often capture redundant information — most images from slightly different viewpoints look almost identical, with minor variations. By using a 1D sensor, we increase the camera’s speed while maintaining high detail, overcoming the limitations of standard ultrafast cameras, which often have low resolution.

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When combined with a special sensor called a streak camera, LIFT captures a 4D spatiotemporal view of a scene in a single shot, reaching a remarkable resolution and capturing sequences longer than 1000 frames. This allows us to record ultrafast 3D scenes in ways previously thought impossible.

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But LIFT doesn’t just capture 3D images — it also has a remarkable ability to see around obstacles. Known as non-line-of-sight imaging, this technique lets LIFT detect fast-moving objects hidden from direct view, like something around a corner or behind an object, at 30 frames per second. By picking up light that bounces off a nearby wall and reconstructing the hidden scene, LIFT effectively creates a 3D image of objects not directly visible.

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This technology has exciting applications. In autonomous vehicles, for example, LIFT could help detect hidden objects and make quick, informed decisions, improving safety on the road. In medicine, it could assist surgeons by providing views behind bones or soft tissues, enhancing precision during procedures.