VARENNES and QUEBEC CITY, QC, November 12, 2026 – A research team from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) , led by Professor Jinyang Liang , is pushing the limits of ultrafast imaging with a new technology capable of capturing three-dimensional images at speeds of up to 150,000 frames per second. Published in the journal Nature Communications, this study establishes a new world record in profilometry.
The breakthrough could transform the way scientists observe and measure extremely fast, hard-to-reproduce phenomena. The technology, called C-BLIP (chromatically band-limited illumination profilometry), makes it possible to visualize collisions, aerodynamic motion and ultrasonic vibrations in three dimensions. It could find applications in fields ranging from mechanics and aerodynamics to microfluidics, high-rate material testing and additive manufacturing.
Making the invisible visible
Using C-BLIP, the researchers successfully captured and measured a variety of transient phenomena, including the collision between a projectile and a turbofan blade, the aerodynamics of a falling maple samara, and the vibrations of a loudspeaker membrane.
The team, based at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre , also demonstrated the ability to detect ultrasonic vibrations on an object's surface and extract acoustic information from them. This capability opens new possibilities for studying dynamic phenomena that were previously difficult to observe and measure.
"With C-BLIP, we can continuously capture fast, non-repeatable three-dimensional phenomena that were previously difficult to observe and quantify. Beyond the speed record, this breakthrough opens new opportunities to better understand dynamic phenomena across a wide range of scientific and technological fields," said Jinyang Liang, Professor at INRS and Canada Research Chair in Ultrafast Computational Imaging
A more accessible technology
Current ultrafast 3D imaging systems are often limited by acquisition speed, the computational complexity of image reconstruction, or the high cost of specialized equipment. To overcome these challenges, the team developed an approach that combines a cost-effective optical design, eye-safe LED illumination and a lightweight reconstruction method.
"What excites us most is the ability to observe phenomena that were previously invisible. C-BLIP even allowed us to visualize ultrasonic vibrations and recover a spoken message from them, demonstrating the potential of this approach for a wide range of scientific and technological applications," said Cheng Jiang, a postdoctoral researcher in energy and materials sciences at INRS and first author of the study.
These features make ultrafast imaging more practical and accessible for a variety of research environments. The team is now working to further optimize the system through the integration of GPU-accelerated processing, which could eventually enable real-time visualization.
The research also highlights INRS's ability to bring together expertise in optics, imaging, signal processing and engineering to develop innovative approaches that push the boundaries of scientific observation.
About the study
Jiang, C., Liang, J. Ultrahigh-speed chromatically band-limited illumination profilometry . Nat Commun 17, 11567 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78478-w
This work was made possible by funding from the Natural Sciences and EngineeringResearch Council of Canada (RGPIN-2024-05551), Canada ResearchChairs Program (CRC2022-00119), INRS Chair in Nanobiophotonics,Fonds de Recherche du Québec–Nature et Technologies(203345–Center d'Optique, Photonique, et Lasers), and Mitacs (BusinessStrategy Internship Program, Globalink Research Internship Program.
About INRS
INRS is a university dedicated exclusively to research and graduate education in strategic fields for Québec. Since its establishment in 1969, it has pursued its mission of actively contributing to Québec's economic, social, and cultural development. INRS ranks first in Québec for research intensity. It comprises five interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Québec City, Montréal, Laval, Varennes, and Charlevoix, focusing on strategic areas: Water, Earth and Environment; Energy, Materials and Telecommunications; Urbanization, Culture and Society; Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie; and Ruralités durables. INRS has been a member of the Pasteur Network since 2005, contributing to an international community dedicated to advancing global health through research, innovation and collaboration. Its community includes nearly 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members, and staff.
