Camera that Can Capture Scenes Around the Corner

Scientists at MIT managed to create a camera is able to take pictures of scenes hidden around the corner.

Here's how the system works: the camera uses a femtosecond laser to launch a beam of light that hits the door and is reflected into the room. The atmosphere disperses the beam and a part of its light hits you, while another part is reflected back to the door. The latter reflects part of the light back to the camera. The camera then collects the light and forms a picture

The MIT team, led by Prof. Ramesh Raskar says their new system is able to capture light at very short time scales, and namely about one quadrillionth of a second.

The camera is able to create a 3D image of the hidden scene by continuously collecting light and calculating the time and distance each pixel has passed, reports Physorg.

Scientists are still working on the project, hoping to obtain a technology that would allow capturing more complex scenes.

The team says that their latest invention could be used in various ways. For instance, the camera could be used in rescue missions to help look for survivors in damaged buildings or help avoid car accidents at blind corners.