Research advances in simple and compact optical imaging techniques

Computational imaging enables optical systems to acquire more information with miniaturized setups. can avoid the object-image conjugate limitation of system, and introduce encoding decoding processes based on physical optics achieve efficient transmission. It simultaneously increase amount reduce complexity thereby paving way for miniaturizing systems. Based computational imaging, simple compact techniques are developed, which is also called optics. To develop elements integrated systems, utilizes joint design system image processing algorithms, realizing high-quality that comparable complex The small-size, low-weight, low-power consumption. With development micro-nano manufacturing, have evolved from a single lens or few lenses, flat/planar elements, such as diffractive metasurface elements. As result, various lensless metalens emerged. Owing introduction process process, an model developed represent relationship between target object acquired signal, reconstruction used restore image. In restoration part, algorithms discussed in three categories, i.e. classic algorithm, model-based optimization iterative deep learning (neural network) algorithm. Besides, end-to-end highlighted because it introduces new frame minimize system. this review, realized by discussed, depth high-resolution super-resolution large field view extended well their important roles developing consumer electronics, unmanned driving, machine vision, security monitoring, biomedical devices metaverse. Last but not least, challenges future developments prospected.