Engineers at Brown University have developed a new imaging technique called Quantum Multi-Wavelength Holography, which utilizes quantum entanglement to produce high-fidelity 3D images of microscopic objects. This method employs infrared light to illuminate targets and captures images using visible light that is quantum-entangled with the infrared probe, enabling the measurement of both light intensity and phase to create detailed holographic images.
Traditional imaging techniques, such as X-rays or photographs, capture light reflected off objects. In contrast, quantum imaging leverages quantum entanglement, where two photons are linked in such a way that the state of one instantaneously influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. In this approach, an "idler" photon interacts with the object, while its entangled partner, the "signal" photon, is used to form the image.
One significant advantage of this technique is the ability to use infrared light for probing objects, which is preferred for biological imaging due to its ability to penetrate tissues safely, while employing standard, cost-effective silicon detectors for capturing the images. This approach reduces the need for expensive infrared detectors, making high-resolution biological imaging more accessible.
A notable challenge in phase-based imaging is "phase wrapping," where depths greater than the light's wavelength become indistinguishable from shallower features. To address this, the researchers utilized two sets of entangled photons with slightly different wavelengths, effectively creating a much longer synthetic wavelength. This expansion of the measurable range enhances the accuracy of 3D imaging for objects like cells and other biological materials.
The team demonstrated the effectiveness of their method by creating a holographic image of a small metal letter "B," serving as a proof-of-concept for generating high-fidelity 3D images using quantum entanglement. This advancement holds promise for applications in biological imaging, materials science, and other fields requiring detailed 3D imaging of microscopic structures.