Image Processing Units Based on Epsilon-Near-Zero Metamaterials

Analog computation based on electromagnetic waves provides a new route to realize high-rate and large-bandwidth computation. And image processing plays an important role in pattern recognition, artificial intelligence, information encryption and other fields. In this paper, we propose a highly integrated epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) processor for high-speed image processing based on the arbitrary regulation of dispersion characteristics by ENZ metamaterials. With different parameter settings, the proposed ENZ processor can perform multiple functions, such as edge extraction and image blurring. Benefiting from the high integration and shape-independent properties of ENZ metamaterials, the proposed ENZ processor holds potential application in high-speed image processing systems.