A comparison between the measurement of quantum spatial correlations using qCMOS photon-number resolving and electron...

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Photonics
• Quantum Imaging

Background:

• Parametric down-conversion produces photon pairs with strong spatial correlations.
• These correlations are crucial for quantum imaging, sensing, and optical processing applications.
• Traditional single-photon cameras capture these correlations but lack photon-number resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the capability of photon-number resolving cameras for measuring spatial correlations.
• To assess the performance and efficiency of these cameras in quantum imaging setups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a photon-number resolving camera to observe spatial correlations.
• Employed parametric down-conversion as the photon source.
• Measured correlations over several thousand spatial modes using a single-mode laser pump.

Main Results:

• Spatial correlations were observed in a short measurement time (tens of seconds).
• Photon-number resolving cameras achieved performance comparable to single-photon sensitive cameras.
• Demonstrated the added value of photon-number resolution in quantum measurements.

Conclusions:

• Photon-number resolving cameras are effective for measuring spatial photon correlations.
• These cameras offer a valuable alternative to existing technologies in quantum and low-light imaging.
• The technology shows significant potential for advancing quantum imaging and related fields.