Time-to-space ghost imaging with classical light

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel time-to-space ghost imaging scheme using classical light, enabling high temporal resolution spatial imaging of temporal objects through correlated light beams.

Contribution

It proposes a new method for time-to-space ghost imaging with analytical modeling and practical implementation details using a diffraction grating and spatial light modulator.

Findings

The system's temporal resolution can reach sub-picosecond levels.

The resolution depends on laser pulse duration and coherence length, not detector resolution.

Analytical expressions for the point-spread function are derived.

Abstract

Ghost imaging uses two light beams correlated in the transverse position, time, or frequency to create an image of a spatial, temporal, or spectral object. We propose a scheme of time-to-space ghost imaging for creating a spatial image of a temporal object, enabled by two spatio-temporally correlated light beams. Assuming a spatio-temporal Gaussian Schell model for the description of the source, we obtain analytical expressions for the point-spread function of the system and its temporal resolution. We show how the required source of partially coherent light can be realized by a combination of a diffraction grating and a spatial light modulator. As follows from our analysis, the temporal resolution of a time-to-space imaging system is determined by the duration of the laser pulses used and the transverse coherence length imposed by the spatial light modulator, does not depend on the resolution time of the photodetectors, and can reach the sub-picosecond range.