Fast quantum-enhanced imaging with visible-wavelength entangled photons

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Optical imaging
• Photonics

Background:

• Quantum resources offer enhanced performance in optical imaging.
• Entangled photon pairs from spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) coupled with single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) image sensor arrays (ISAs) are key to quantum-enhanced imaging.
• Previous limitations included matching SPDC wavelengths to SPAD detection efficiency and low imaging speeds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-speed quantum imaging system.
• To improve the sensitivity and speed of quantum-enhanced phase imaging.
• To demonstrate the practical application of visible-wavelength entangled photons in imaging.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a visible-wavelength entangled photon source.
• Integrated the source with SPAD-ISAs operating at high detection efficiency.
• Employed quantum-enhanced phase imaging to detect nanometer-scale height differences.

Main Results:

• Achieved an order of magnitude increase in acquisition speed compared to prior demonstrations.
• Demonstrated nanometer-scale height resolution in imaging silica and protein microarrays.
• Showcased a sensitivity improvement of 1.351 ± 0.004 over classical imaging.

Conclusions:

• The developed system enables high-speed, high-sensitivity quantum imaging.
• This advancement is a significant step towards practical quantum imaging advantage.
• Potential applications include biomedical imaging, industrial inspection, and fundamental research.