Enhancing Spectroscopy and Microscopy with Emerging Methods in Photon-Correlation and Quantum Illumination

TL;DR

This review discusses recent advances in quantum optics techniques, such as photon-correlation and quantum illumination, that significantly improve nanoscale spectroscopy, microscopy, and measurement precision.

Contribution

It highlights the integration of emerging quantum light sources and detectors into nanoscale characterization, enabling new applications and surpassing classical limits.

Findings

Advances in single-photon detectors and sources enhance nanoscale measurements.

Emerging applications include super-resolution microscopy and below-noise-limit spectroscopy.

Technological challenges and future opportunities are identified in materials science and bio-nanophotonics.

Abstract

Quantum optics has driven major advances in our ability to generate and detect correlations between individual photons. Its principles are now increasingly translated into nanoscale characterization techniques, enhancing spectroscopy, microscopy, and metrology. In this Review, we highlight rapid progress in the field driven by advances in single-photon detectors and quantum light sources, including time-resolved single-photon counting cameras, superconducting nanowire detectors, and increasingly bright sources of entangled photons. We emphasize emerging applications in super-resolution microscopy, measurements below classical noise limits, and photon-number-resolved spectroscopy-a powerful paradigm for probing nanoscale electronic materials and molecular dynamics. We conclude by outlining key technological challenges and future opportunities across materials science and bio-nanophotonics.