Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2512.11709

Thermal interaction-free ghost imaging

Shun Li, Jing-Yang Xiao Feng, Xiu-Qing Yang, Xiaodong Zeng, Xi-Hua Yang, M. Al-Amri, Zheng-Hong Li

quant-phphysics.opticsSubmitted Dec 12, 2025• Announced Dec 15, 2025• 0 citations
v1 · Dec 12, 2025v2 · Mar 12, 2026
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We propose an interaction-free ghost imaging scheme based on a thermal light source. By utilizing the quantum Zeno-like effect, our approach significantly reduces the light dose absorbed by the sample, thereby effectively preventing sample damage induced by light-matter interactions. Combined with the elimination of entangled photon sources and single-photon detectors, our approach enables significantly more photons to be utilized for image reconstruction, thereby markedly enhancing image quality compared to conventional ghost imaging. We further demonstrate active suppression of background noise via controllable photon loss. Our work offers a practical and cost-effective route to non-destructive, high-quality imaging for light-sensitive samples in fields such as life sciences.

Related papers

Thermal interaction-free-inspired ghost imaging

Shun Li, Jing-Yang Xiao Feng, Xiu-Qing Yang +4 more

We propose an interaction-free ghost imaging scheme based on a thermal light source. The scheme exploits the quantum Zeno effect to suppress photon absorption by the sample and thus light-induced damage. Crucially, this suppression requires only that the interfering paths be distinguishable in principle; no quantum detection or measurement results are needed, thereby removing the requirement for single-photon detectors. Moreover, our scheme is built on high-intensity thermal illumination. This is the key difference between this work and traditional studies of interaction-free imaging relying on weak or single-photon illumination. We demonstrate that replacing entangled photon pairs with a thermal source can improve image quality without sacrificing the essence of interaction-free measurement. Consequently, our scheme achieves quantum Zeno effect-based enhancement of the imaging performance without requiring specialized quantum hardware such as entangled photon sources or single-photon detectors. We further show active suppression of background noise via controllable photon loss. Our work offers a practical and cost-effective route to non-destructive, high-quality imaging for light-sensitive samples in fields such as life sciences.

Optics Express•Oct 2, 2026•0 citations

Interaction-free ghost-imaging of structured objects (Conference Presentation)

Yingwen Zhang, Alicia Sit, Frédéric Bouchard +6 more

Correlated light (either classical or quantum) can be employed in various ways to improve resolution and measurement sensitivity. In an “interaction-free” measurement, a single photon can be used to reveal the presence of an object placed within one arm of an interferometer without being absorbed by it. This method has previously been applied to imaging. With a technique known as “ghost imaging”, entangled photon pairs are used for detecting an opaque object with significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio while preventing over-illumination. Here, we integrate these two methods to obtain a new imaging technique which we term “interaction-free ghost-imaging” that possesses the benefits of both techniques. While improving the image quality of conventional ghost-imaging, this new technique is also sensitive to phase and polarization changes in the photons introduced by a structured object. Furthermore, thanks to the “interaction-free” nature of this new technique, it is possible to reduce the number of photons required to produce a clear image of the object (which could be otherwise damaged by the photons) making this technique superior for probing light-sensitive materials and eventually biological tissues. If time allows, I will discuss some follow-up works involving partial measurements and remote erasure/completion of images. The latter techniques can help to suppress various types of noise during the imaging process.

•Mar 5, 2019•0 citations

Interaction-free ghost-imaging of structured objects

Yingwen Zhang, Alicia Sit, Frédéric Bouchard +7 more

Quantum - or classically correlated - light can be employed in various ways to improve resolution and measurement sensitivity. In an "interaction-free" measurement, a single photon can be used to reveal the presence of an object placed within one arm of an interferometer without being absorbed by it. With a technique known as "ghost-imaging", entangled photon pairs are used for detecting an opaque object with significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio while preventing over-illumination. Here, we integrate these two methods to obtain a new imaging technique which we term "interaction-free ghost-imaging" (IFGI). With this new technique, we reduce photon illumination on the object by up to 26.5% while still maintaining at least the same image quality of conventional ghost-imaging. Alternatively, IFGI can improve image signal-to-noise ratio by 18% when given the same number of interacting photons as in standard ghost-imaging. IFGI is also sensitive to phase and polarisation changes of the photons introduced by a structured object. These advantages make IFGI superior for probing light-sensitive materials and biological tissues.

arXiv:1711.09171•Optics Express•Jan 24, 2019•66 citations

Quantum differential ghost microscopy

Elena Losero, Ivano Ruo Berchera, Alice Meda +3 more

Quantum correlations become formidable tools for beating classical capacities of measurement. Preserving these advantages in practical systems, where experimental imperfections are unavoidable, is a challenge of the utmost importance. Here we propose and realize a quantum ghost imaging protocol stemming from the differential ghost imaging, a scheme elaborated so far in the limit of bright thermal light, particularly suitable in the relevant case of faint or sparse objects. The extension toward the quantum regime represents an important step as quantum correlations allow low-brightness imaging, desirable for reducing the absorption dose. Furthermore, we optimize the protocol in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, to compensate for the detrimental effects of detection noise and losses. We perform the experiment using spontaneous parametric down conversion light in a microscope configuration. The image is reconstructed exploiting nonclassical intensity correlation in the low photon flux regime, rather than photon pairs detection coincidences. On the one side, we validate the theoretical model and on the other we show the applicability of this technique by imaging biological samples.

arXiv:1903.12630•Physical Review A•Dec 10, 2019•23 citations

High-contrast interaction-free quantum imaging method

Sepideh Ahmadi, Erhan Sağlamyürek, Shabir Barzanjeh +1 more

Quantum imaging techniques offer enhanced resolution, contrast, and precision at ultralow illumination levels compared to traditional imaging approaches. Relying on the unique properties of entangled photon pairs, two of these techniques stand out: the correlation-based quantum imaging technique provides visibility enhancement in imaging of a low-reflectivity object which is subject to excessive noise and losses, while the interaction-free ghost imaging allows for probing the presence of an object with an ultimately low number of photons. Here we propose a quantum imaging scheme that combines the unique advantages of these two approaches. We show that this scheme offers high-contrast imaging of objects with a minimal number of photons that can minimize thermal noise efficiently and create background-free images. We anticipate that this approach can find application in the imaging of photosensitive biological tissues in a noninvasive and harm-free fashion.

Physical Review A•Mar 17, 2023•11 citations

Interaction-free quantum imaging

Yingwen Zhang, Lu Gao, Alicia Sit +8 more

Quantum imaging attempts to exploit the quantum features of light in order to enhance one or more aspects of classical imaging. Here we focus on two quantum imaging schemes – ghost imaging and interaction-free imaging – and moreover, on their combination. After a brief overview of the subject we report the main result: a laboratory demonstration of a new imaging scheme termed Interaction-Free Ghost Imaging. We then explain its merits for the task of imaging various structured objects. Next, we discuss an outgrowth of this scheme used for the purpose of nonlocal quantum erasure. We conclude by mentioning some related, low-dose schemes (both quantum and quantum-inspired) for X-ray and gammaray sources.

Nanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications•Feb 21, 2020•3 citations
We propose an interaction-free ghost imaging scheme based on a thermal light source. By utilizing the quantum Zeno-like effect, our approach significantly reduces the light dose absorbed by the sample, thereby effectively preventing sample damage induced by light-matter interactions. Combined with the elimination of entangled photon sources and single-photon detectors, our approach enables significantly more photons to be utilized for image reconstruction, thereby markedly enhancing image quality compared to conventional ghost imaging. We further demonstrate active suppression of background noise via controllable photon loss. Our work offers a practical and cost-effective route to non-destructive, high-quality imaging for light-sensitive samples in fields such as life sciences.
We propose an interaction-free ghost imaging scheme based on a thermal light source. The scheme exploits the quantum Zeno effect to suppress photon absorption by the sample and thus light-induced damage. Crucially, this suppression requires only that the interfering paths be distinguishable in principle; no quantum detection or measurement results are needed, thereby removing the requirement for single-photon detectors. Moreover, our scheme is built on high-intensity thermal illumination. This is the key difference between this work and traditional studies of interaction-free imaging relying on weak or single-photon illumination. We demonstrate that replacing entangled photon pairs with a thermal source can improve image quality without sacrificing the essence of interaction-free measurement. Consequently, our scheme achieves quantum Zeno effect-based enhancement of the imaging performance without requiring specialized quantum hardware such as entangled photon sources or single-photon detectors. We further show active suppression of background noise via controllable photon loss. Our work offers a practical and cost-effective route to non-destructive, high-quality imaging for light-sensitive samples in fields such as life sciences.
Correlated light (either classical or quantum) can be employed in various ways to improve resolution and measurement sensitivity. In an “interaction-free” measurement, a single photon can be used to reveal the presence of an object placed within one arm of an interferometer without being absorbed by it. This method has previously been applied to imaging. With a technique known as “ghost imaging”, entangled photon pairs are used for detecting an opaque object with significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio while preventing over-illumination. Here, we integrate these two methods to obtain a new imaging technique which we term “interaction-free ghost-imaging” that possesses the benefits of both techniques. While improving the image quality of conventional ghost-imaging, this new technique is also sensitive to phase and polarization changes in the photons introduced by a structured object. Furthermore, thanks to the “interaction-free” nature of this new technique, it is possible to reduce the number of photons required to produce a clear image of the object (which could be otherwise damaged by the photons) making this technique superior for probing light-sensitive materials and eventually biological tissues. If time allows, I will discuss some follow-up works involving partial measurements and remote erasure/completion of images. The latter techniques can help to suppress various types of noise during the imaging process.
Quantum - or classically correlated - light can be employed in various ways to improve resolution and measurement sensitivity. In an "interaction-free" measurement, a single photon can be used to reveal the presence of an object placed within one arm of an interferometer without being absorbed by it. With a technique known as "ghost-imaging", entangled photon pairs are used for detecting an opaque object with significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio while preventing over-illumination. Here, we integrate these two methods to obtain a new imaging technique which we term "interaction-free ghost-imaging" (IFGI). With this new technique, we reduce photon illumination on the object by up to 26.5% while still maintaining at least the same image quality of conventional ghost-imaging. Alternatively, IFGI can improve image signal-to-noise ratio by 18% when given the same number of interacting photons as in standard ghost-imaging. IFGI is also sensitive to phase and polarisation changes of the photons introduced by a structured object. These advantages make IFGI superior for probing light-sensitive materials and biological tissues.
Quantum correlations become formidable tools for beating classical capacities of measurement. Preserving these advantages in practical systems, where experimental imperfections are unavoidable, is a challenge of the utmost importance. Here we propose and realize a quantum ghost imaging protocol stemming from the differential ghost imaging, a scheme elaborated so far in the limit of bright thermal light, particularly suitable in the relevant case of faint or sparse objects. The extension toward the quantum regime represents an important step as quantum correlations allow low-brightness imaging, desirable for reducing the absorption dose. Furthermore, we optimize the protocol in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, to compensate for the detrimental effects of detection noise and losses. We perform the experiment using spontaneous parametric down conversion light in a microscope configuration. The image is reconstructed exploiting nonclassical intensity correlation in the low photon flux regime, rather than photon pairs detection coincidences. On the one side, we validate the theoretical model and on the other we show the applicability of this technique by imaging biological samples.
Quantum imaging techniques offer enhanced resolution, contrast, and precision at ultralow illumination levels compared to traditional imaging approaches. Relying on the unique properties of entangled photon pairs, two of these techniques stand out: the correlation-based quantum imaging technique provides visibility enhancement in imaging of a low-reflectivity object which is subject to excessive noise and losses, while the interaction-free ghost imaging allows for probing the presence of an object with an ultimately low number of photons. Here we propose a quantum imaging scheme that combines the unique advantages of these two approaches. We show that this scheme offers high-contrast imaging of objects with a minimal number of photons that can minimize thermal noise efficiently and create background-free images. We anticipate that this approach can find application in the imaging of photosensitive biological tissues in a noninvasive and harm-free fashion.
Quantum imaging attempts to exploit the quantum features of light in order to enhance one or more aspects of classical imaging. Here we focus on two quantum imaging schemes – ghost imaging and interaction-free imaging – and moreover, on their combination. After a brief overview of the subject we report the main result: a laboratory demonstration of a new imaging scheme termed Interaction-Free Ghost Imaging. We then explain its merits for the task of imaging various structured objects. Next, we discuss an outgrowth of this scheme used for the purpose of nonlocal quantum erasure. We conclude by mentioning some related, low-dose schemes (both quantum and quantum-inspired) for X-ray and gammaray sources.