Ultra-sensitive separation estimation of optical sources

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum-inspired method using spatial mode demultiplexing to estimate the separation of incoherent optical sources with sensitivity far beyond the traditional Rayleigh limit, revolutionizing passive imaging resolution.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel quantum-metrology-inspired approach that surpasses the Rayleigh limit in passive optical source separation estimation using spatial mode demultiplexing.

Findings

Achieved sensitivity five orders of magnitude beyond the Rayleigh limit.

Demonstrated effective separation estimation for scenes with bright and faint sources.

Showed that the Rayleigh limit can be effectively surpassed in passive imaging.

Abstract

Historically, the resolution of optical imaging systems was dictated by diffraction, and the Rayleigh criterion was long considered an unsurpassable limit. In superresolution microscopy, this limit is overcome by manipulating the emission properties of the object. However, in passive imaging, when sources are uncontrolled, reaching sub-Rayleigh resolution remains a challenge. Here, we implement a quantum-metrolgy-inspired approach for estimating the separation between two incoherent sources, achieving a sensitivity five orders of magnitude beyond the Rayleigh limit. Using a spatial mode demultiplexer, we examine scenes with bright and faint sources, through intensity measurements in the Hermite-Gauss basis. Analysing sensitivity and accuracy over an extensive range of separations, we demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of demultiplexing for sub-Rayleigh separation estimation. These results effectively render the Rayleigh limit obsolete for passive imaging.