Quantum imaging
Encyclopedia
Quantum imaging,
, is a new sub-field of quantum optics
that exploits quantum correlations such as quantum entanglement
of the electromagnetic field
in order to image objects with a resolution
or other imaging criteria that is beyond what is possible in classical optics. Examples of quantum imaging are quantum ghost imaging
, quantum lithography
, and quantum sensing. Quantum imaging may someday be useful for storing patterns of data in quantum computers and transmitting large amounts of highly secure encrypted information. Quantum mechanics has shown that light has inherent “uncertainties” in its features, manifested as moment-to-moment fluctuations in its properties. Controlling these fluctuations—which represent a sort of “noise”—can improve detection of faint objects, produce better amplified images, and allow workers to more accurately position laser beams.
, is a new sub-field of quantum optics
Quantum optics
Quantum optics is a field of research in physics, dealing with the application of quantum mechanics to phenomena involving light and its interactions with matter.- History of quantum optics :...
that exploits quantum correlations such as quantum entanglement
Quantum entanglement
Quantum entanglement occurs when electrons, molecules even as large as "buckyballs", photons, etc., interact physically and then become separated; the type of interaction is such that each resulting member of a pair is properly described by the same quantum mechanical description , which is...
of the electromagnetic field
Electromagnetic field
An electromagnetic field is a physical field produced by moving electrically charged objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field. The electromagnetic field extends indefinitely throughout space and describes the electromagnetic interaction...
in order to image objects with a resolution
Optical resolution
Optical resolution describes the ability of an imaging system to resolve detail in the object that is being imaged.An imaging system may have many individual components including a lens and recording and display components...
or other imaging criteria that is beyond what is possible in classical optics. Examples of quantum imaging are quantum ghost imaging
Ghost imaging
Ghost imaging is a technique that allows a high resolution camera to produce an image of an object which the camera cannot itself see. The first demonstrations of ghost imaging were based on the quantum nature of light. Specifically, quantum correlations between photon pairs were utilized to build...
, quantum lithography
Quantum lithography
Quantum lithography is a type of photolithography, which exploits non-classical properties of the photons, such as quantum entanglement, in order to achieve superior performance over ordinary classical lithography. Quantum lithography is closely related to the fields of quantum imaging, quantum...
, and quantum sensing. Quantum imaging may someday be useful for storing patterns of data in quantum computers and transmitting large amounts of highly secure encrypted information. Quantum mechanics has shown that light has inherent “uncertainties” in its features, manifested as moment-to-moment fluctuations in its properties. Controlling these fluctuations—which represent a sort of “noise”—can improve detection of faint objects, produce better amplified images, and allow workers to more accurately position laser beams.