Practical quantum imaging with undetected photons

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, low-cost quantum imaging system that captures infrared images without IR detectors by leveraging entangled photons and quantum interference, enabling practical applications in various fields.

Contribution

The work demonstrates a portable, cost-effective quantum imaging method using undetected photons, advancing towards commercial viability.

Findings

Imaging at IR wavelengths without IR detectors.

Rapid acquisition of phase and transmission images.

Potential for practical, low-cost IR imaging applications.

Abstract

Infrared (IR) imaging is invaluable across many scientific disciplines, from material analysis to diagnostic medicine. However, applications are often limited by detector cost, resolution and sensitivity, noise caused by the thermal IR background, and the cost, portability and tunability of infrared sources. Here, we describe a compact, portable, and low-cost system that is able to image objects at IR wavelengths without an IR source or IR detector. This imaging with undetected photons (IUP) approach uses quantum interference and correlations between entangled photon pairs to transfer image information from the IR to the visible, where it can be detected with a standard silicon camera. We also demonstrate a rapid analysis approach to acquire both phase and transmission image information. These developments provide an important step towards making IUP a commercially viable technique.