Robust real-time single-pixel imaging based on a spinning mask via differential detection

Single-pixel imaging (SPI) has gained considerable attention over the past two decades but is still inadequate for imaging moving objects in practical scenarios. Recently, spinning masks have been employed for real-time SPI due to their fast modulation speeds. However, the intensity fluctuations caused by ambient light can overlap with the desired modulation from the mask, leading to a significant degradation in image quality, making it unable to function properly in environments with unstable lighting. Here we propose a rotating disc encoded with cyclic S-matrices, leveraging both reflective and transmissive signals for differential detection. Simulations and experiments demonstrate interference-resistant real-time SPI, achieving 31 fps at about 60 kHz modulation rates. This approach effectively suppresses external noise and is extendable to infrared and terahertz bands, advancing SPI’s practical applications.