Quantum Optics & Imaging

Ghost Imaging is a technique whereby an image is formed from light that has never interacted with the object. In ghost imaging experiments, two correlated light fields are produced. One of these fields illuminates the object, and the other field is measured by a spatially resolving detector. These complex measurements require reliable measurement of spatially and temporally correlated single photons.

Oxford Instruments Andor Technology’s Intensified Cameras are used in such heralding detection systems, providing time-gated registration of single-photon events across the full scene, avoiding the need to scan single-pixel detectors and offering a dramatic efficiency increase in the measurement of high-dimensional spatial entanglement.

• High temporal precision: < 2 nanosecond gating offers tight synchronization between idler and signal photons, offering precise measurement of correlation in the temporal domain.
• Discriminate single photons: Very low background (EBI) markedly reduces false positives.
• Super high counting rates:  Intensifiers offer count repetition rates up to 500 kHz, enhancing measurement rate.

Real-time Imaging of Quantum Entanglement 

Quantum entanglement occurs when two particles remain connected, even over large distances, so that actions performed on one particle have an effect on the other. Einstein described photon entanglement as "Spooky action at a distance”. The Zeilinger group, University of Vienna, have used an Oxford Instruments ICCD camera to demonstrate that the detector is fast and sensitive enough to image in real-time the effect of the measurement of one photon on its entangled partner.

Additionally, the use of the ICCD camera allowed the group to demonstrate the high flexibility of the setup in creating any desired spatial-mode entanglement, which suggests as well that visual imaging in quantum optics not only provides a better intuitive understanding of entanglement but will improve applications of quantum science.

Photon-sparse microscopy: visible light imaging using infrared illumination

Researchers from the Padgett group, University of Glasgow, report here on a camera-based ghost imaging system where the correlated photons have significantly different wavelengths. Infrared photons at 1550 nm wavelength illuminate the object whereas the image data are recorded from the coincidently detected, position-correlated, visible photons at a wavelength of 460 nm using a highly efficient, low-noise, Oxford Instruments Andor Technology ICCD camera.

The efficient transfer of the image information from infrared illumination to visible detection wavelengths and the ability to count single photons allows the acquisition of an image while illuminating the object with an optical power density of only 100 pJ cm−2 s−1. This wavelength transforming ghost-imaging technique has potential for the imaging of light-sensitive specimens or where covert operation is desired.

Related Content

Related Products

Studies of Quantum Gases, such as Bose-Einstein Condensates (BEC), benefit considerably from advanced detector performance that can image fast dynamics of trapped atoms or ions, held in MOT traps at temperatures close to zero Kelvin. It is often important to image the rapid dynamics of trapped species immediately after the MOT is turned off, allowing fundamental properties of the trapped atom/ion cloud to be elucidated. Furthermore, it can be a requirement to perform fluorescence imaging of small and discrete amounts of trapped atoms.

Oxford Instruments Andor Technology’s market-leading portfolio of EMCCD, CCD and sCMOS detectors offer diverse solutions for imaging of a variety of types of quantum gases, across a range of experimental systems and imaging modalities.

The iKon-M 934 CCD camera with the broadband response ‘BEX2-DD’ sensor option has been widely integrated into experimental systems to study a diverse range of ultra-cold atom and ion clouds using the absorption imaging modality.

• Broad spectral response:  UV enhancement, multi-layer anti-reflection coatings and deep depletion technology ensure maximum photon collection, whether imaging Ytterbium or Rubidium.
• Ultra-low noise:  Cooling to -100 ⁰C and low read noise ensure minimal noise contribution from the detector, allowing shorter exposure times.
• Fast Kinetics Mode:  Imaging bursts enabling microsecond dynamics, allowing the influence of gravity on the atom cloud to be studied immediately after the MOT is turned off.

The iXon Ultra EMCCD camera series has been an extremely popular solution for ultracold atom/ion imaging, presenting flexibility to study via either absorption or fluorescence imaging modalities. Single-photon sensitivity, even under fast frame rate operation, coupled with > 90% QE, enables imaging of very small numbers of trapped atoms.  

• Single-Photon Sensitivity and > 90% QE:  measure fluorescence from discrete atoms in MOT.
• Flexibility: Operate in CCD mode absorption, or EMCCD mode for fluorescence.
• Fast Kinetics Mode:  Imaging bursts enabling microsecond dynamics, allowing the influence of gravity on the atom cloud to be studied immediately after the MOT is turned off.

Measured fluorescence signal from a few atom MOT, as individual atoms enter and leave trap

Related Content

Related Products

Related Products

Get In Touch