Resolution limit in quantum imaging with undetected photons using position correlations

TL;DR

This paper investigates the fundamental resolution limits of quantum imaging with undetected photons, linking spatial correlations in twin photons to imaging resolution and highlighting unique constraints compared to classical methods.

Contribution

It provides a quantitative analysis of how twin photon position correlations and wavelengths influence resolution in QIUP, revealing inherent limitations.

Findings

Resolution is directly related to twin photon position correlations.

Wavelengths of both detected and undetected photons affect resolution.

Resolution cannot be improved by conventional optical techniques in QIUP.

Abstract

Quantum imaging with undetected photons (QIUP) is a unique method of image acquisition where the photons illuminating the object are not detected. This method relies on quantum interference and spatial correlations between the twin photons to form an image. Here we present a detailed study of the resolution limits of position correlation enabled QIUP. We establish a quantitative relation between the spatial resolution and the twin photon position correlation in the spontaneous parametric down-conversion process (SPDC). Furthermore, we also quantitatively establish the roles that the wavelength of the undetected illumination field and the wavelength of the detected field play in the resolution. Like ghost imaging and unlike conventional imaging, the resolution limit imposed by the spatial correlation between twin photons in QIUP cannot be further improved by conventional optical techniques.