This laser Technology can Read text from a mile Away

Your vision might be sharp enough to read small print at the optometrist from a few meters away, but it pales in comparison to a new device recently demonstrated by researchers. This device successfully scanned tiny individual characters from a staggering distance of 1.36 kilometers (about 0.85 miles).

How Intensity Interferometry Redefines Imaging

Unlike traditional cameras that capture light waves directly, intensity interferometry uses a different technique—it analyzes how light reflects and interferes with itself, then reconstructs an image based on that data.

In a recent study led by scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China, the team tested an instrument that projects eight infrared laser beams aimed at a precise distant target.

Two telescopes were employed to measure the intensity of the reflected light. By precisely calibrating the eight laser beams illuminating the target, the image was reconstructed by analyzing the differences between the signals received by the two telescopes.

In their published paper, the researchers stated, “Through outdoor experiments, we successfully captured images of millimeter-sized objects located 1.36 km away, achieving a resolution approximately 14 times better than the diffraction limit of a single telescope.”

Long-range cameras such as this are valuable for applications ranging from space telescopes to remote sensing, and the technique employed here effectively compensates for atmospheric turbulence and corrects camera system flaws.

Using the setup detailed in their recent study, the researchers successfully read letters with a resolution of 3 mm. A single telescope at that distance yields only 42 mm resolution, highlighting the major improvement intensity interferometry offers.

New Applications for Intensity Interferometry

Originally for space observatories, this technology is now advancing Earth-based physics experiments, marking a new breakthrough beyond its prior uses.

The researchers note, “Long-baseline active intensity interferometry shows great potential for enhancing high-resolution optical imaging and sensing.”

Quantum Phenomena Driving Advanced Imaging Technology

High resolution relies on a quantum effect where photons cluster, a phenomenon beyond classical physics crucial to this technology.

The researchers believe further enhancements can be made in controlling the infrared laser beams. Additionally, integrating AI algorithms could improve the system’s ability to recognize specific text and shapes with greater accuracy.

Optics expert Shaurya Aarav of Sorbonne University called this a major breakthrough in imaging distant, non-light-emitting objects.

Read the original article on: Science alert

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