Experimental demonstration of quantum-inspired optical symmetric hypothesis testing

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Optical metrology
• Image processing

Background:

• Distinguishing between single and multiple objects is crucial for imaging.
• Conventional imaging methods face limitations in resolution, especially in the sub-Rayleigh regime.
• Phase-sensitive measurements offer potential for enhanced detection capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the advantage of linear-optical spatial mode transformations for object detection.
• To experimentally test binary hypothesis testing for distinguishing point spread functions.
• To achieve error rates lower than direct imaging in the sub-Rayleigh regime.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a phase-sensitive measurement technique.
• Performing binary hypothesis testing to differentiate between one on-axis and two symmetrically displaced Gaussian point spread functions.
• Implementing linear-optical spatial mode transformations.

Main Results:

• Achieved a total error rate below the limit set by direct imaging in the sub-Rayleigh regime.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of spatial mode transformations for object detection.
• Showcased performance robustness even with realistic experimental cross talk.

Conclusions:

• Linear-optical spatial mode transformations provide a significant advantage for object detection over conventional measurements.
• This technique enhances the ability to identify, detect, and monitor diffraction-limited scenes.
• The findings pave the way for improved real-world imaging applications.