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

Applied Physics Letters

Infrared imaging camera based on a Rydberg atom photodetector

Marcel Drabbels, Lambertus D. Noordam

Published Mar 29, 1999• 18 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A type of infrared imaging camera is demonstrated that uses gas-phase Rydberg atoms as photocathodes. The camera operates throughout the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum: λ=1–100 μm. The first results are presented and the potential of the camera as an ultrafast detector and a wavelength selective detector is discussed.
DOI
10.1063/1.123089

Related papers

Streak camera operating in the mid infrared

Marcel Drabbels, Lambertus D. Noordam

An atomic streak camera has been constructed that operates from the near to the far infrared. The photocathode used in conventional streak cameras for the conversion of photons to electrons has been replaced by gas-phase atoms in a Rydberg state. The low binding energy of the electron in a Rydberg atom combined with the large photoionization cross section of a Rydberg atom makes Rydberg atoms suitable for use in an infrared streak camera. Operation of the streak camera is demonstrated at 2.6 microm, well beyond the spectral range of any conventional streak camera.

Optics Letters•Sep 15, 1997•14 citations

Practical quantum imaging with undetected photons

Emma J. Pearce, Nathan R. Gemmell, Jefferson Flórez +4 more

Infrared (IR) imaging is invaluable across many scientific disciplines, from material analysis to diagnostic medicine. However, applications are often limited by detector cost, resolution and sensitivity, noise caused by the thermal IR background, and the cost, portability and tunability of infrared sources. Here, we describe a compact, portable, and low-cost system that is able to image objects at IR wavelengths without an IR source or IR detector. This imaging with undetected photons (IUP) approach uses quantum interference and correlations between entangled photon pairs to transfer image information from the IR to a wavelength which can be detected with a standard silicon camera. We also demonstrate a rapid analysis approach to acquire both phase and transmission image information. These developments provide an important step towards making IUP a commercially viable technique.

arXiv:2307.06225•Optics Continuum•Oct 26, 2023•30 citations

Detection of far-infrared radiation using Rydberg atoms

Theodore W. Ducas, William P. Spencer, A. Ganesh Vaidyanathan +2 more

A new method for detecting far-infrared radiation is demonstrated. The far-infrared radiation induces transitions between highly excited (Rydberg) levels of Na. These transitions can be detected by selective field ionization. The method is capable of providing narrow-band detection with essentially continuous tuning throughout the infrared and far-infrared range. We have detected radiation from a laser source at 496 and 118 μ with a 1-MHz bandwidth. A noise equivalent power of 5×10−15 W/Hz1/2 was measured at 496 μ.

Applied Physics Letters•Sep 1, 1979•45 citations

Rydberg-Atom-Based Terahertz Reflection System for Full-Field Imaging of Surface Characteristics

X J Li, Yu Wu, Bin Zhang +9 more

Abstract Rydberg-atom–based Terahertz (THz) reflection imaging provides ultra-high sensitivity and, in principle, the potential for MHz-level imaging speed, overcoming the limitations of THz transmission imaging for strongly absorbing samples. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a Rydberg-atom THz reflection imaging system, converting reflected THz fields into visible fluorescence using a cesium vapor cell along the 14 P 3/2 → 13 D 5/2 → 6 P 3/2 pathway, and sequentially imaging the fluorescence with a sCMOS camera. The system achieves clear reflection images with a minimum resolvable line-pair period of approximately 1.26 mm, and a minimum detectable power of 2.41 fW·s -1/2 per (6.5×6.5) μ m 2 pixel. Representative applications include reflection imaging of metallic samples, discrimination of Polar Liquids, and non-contact visualization of superficial human vasculature and finger motion. This system offers a promising route toward high-frame-rate, room-temperature, full-field THz imaging for both industrial and scientific applications.

Chinese Physics B•Jul 17, 2026•0 citations

Compact Infrared Imaging Using Undetected Visible Photons with Rapid Analysis

Emma Pearce, Nathan R. Gemmell, Jefferson Flórez +4 more

Infrared (IR) imaging sees a wide range of applications due to its ability to probe molecular vibrations but is limited by detector technology available in this part of the spectrum. Imaging with undetected photons [1] offers an alternative. Using a nonlinear interferometer producing visible-IR photon pairs, transmission and phase information of an object in the IR can be observed by monitoring the interference of visible photons. No IR detection or laser is required. Recently there has been a move towards increasing the technology readiness levels of this approach, considering size, stability, and speed [2–4].

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•Jun 26, 2023•0 citations

High-resolution imaging of Rydberg atoms in optical lattices using an aspheric-lens objective in vacuum

Chuyang Shen, Cheng Chen, Xiaoling Wu +4 more

We present a high-resolution, simple, and versatile system for imaging ultracold Rydberg atoms in optical lattices. The imaging objective is a single aspheric lens [with a working distance of 20.6 mm and a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.51] placed inside the vacuum chamber. Adopting a large-working-distance lens leaves room for electrodes and electrostatic shields to control electric fields around Rydberg atoms. With this setup, we achieve a Rayleigh resolution of 1.10 μm or 1.41λ (λ = 780 nm), limited by the NA of the aspheric lens. For systems of highly excited Rydberg states with blockade radii greater than a few μm, the resolution achieved is sufficient for studying many physical processes of interest.

arXiv:2002.11906•Review of Scientific Instruments•Jun 1, 2020•4 citations
An atomic streak camera has been constructed that operates from the near to the far infrared. The photocathode used in conventional streak cameras for the conversion of photons to electrons has been replaced by gas-phase atoms in a Rydberg state. The low binding energy of the electron in a Rydberg atom combined with the large photoionization cross section of a Rydberg atom makes Rydberg atoms suitable for use in an infrared streak camera. Operation of the streak camera is demonstrated at 2.6 microm, well beyond the spectral range of any conventional streak camera.
Infrared (IR) imaging is invaluable across many scientific disciplines, from material analysis to diagnostic medicine. However, applications are often limited by detector cost, resolution and sensitivity, noise caused by the thermal IR background, and the cost, portability and tunability of infrared sources. Here, we describe a compact, portable, and low-cost system that is able to image objects at IR wavelengths without an IR source or IR detector. This imaging with undetected photons (IUP) approach uses quantum interference and correlations between entangled photon pairs to transfer image information from the IR to a wavelength which can be detected with a standard silicon camera. We also demonstrate a rapid analysis approach to acquire both phase and transmission image information. These developments provide an important step towards making IUP a commercially viable technique.
A new method for detecting far-infrared radiation is demonstrated. The far-infrared radiation induces transitions between highly excited (Rydberg) levels of Na. These transitions can be detected by selective field ionization. The method is capable of providing narrow-band detection with essentially continuous tuning throughout the infrared and far-infrared range. We have detected radiation from a laser source at 496 and 118 μ with a 1-MHz bandwidth. A noise equivalent power of 5×10−15 W/Hz1/2 was measured at 496 μ.
Abstract Rydberg-atom–based Terahertz (THz) reflection imaging provides ultra-high sensitivity and, in principle, the potential for MHz-level imaging speed, overcoming the limitations of THz transmission imaging for strongly absorbing samples. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a Rydberg-atom THz reflection imaging system, converting reflected THz fields into visible fluorescence using a cesium vapor cell along the 14 P 3/2 → 13 D 5/2 → 6 P 3/2 pathway, and sequentially imaging the fluorescence with a sCMOS camera. The system achieves clear reflection images with a minimum resolvable line-pair period of approximately 1.26 mm, and a minimum detectable power of 2.41 fW·s -1/2 per (6.5×6.5) μ m 2 pixel. Representative applications include reflection imaging of metallic samples, discrimination of Polar Liquids, and non-contact visualization of superficial human vasculature and finger motion. This system offers a promising route toward high-frame-rate, room-temperature, full-field THz imaging for both industrial and scientific applications.
Infrared (IR) imaging sees a wide range of applications due to its ability to probe molecular vibrations but is limited by detector technology available in this part of the spectrum. Imaging with undetected photons [1] offers an alternative. Using a nonlinear interferometer producing visible-IR photon pairs, transmission and phase information of an object in the IR can be observed by monitoring the interference of visible photons. No IR detection or laser is required. Recently there has been a move towards increasing the technology readiness levels of this approach, considering size, stability, and speed [2–4].
We present a high-resolution, simple, and versatile system for imaging ultracold Rydberg atoms in optical lattices. The imaging objective is a single aspheric lens [with a working distance of 20.6 mm and a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.51] placed inside the vacuum chamber. Adopting a large-working-distance lens leaves room for electrodes and electrostatic shields to control electric fields around Rydberg atoms. With this setup, we achieve a Rayleigh resolution of 1.10 μm or 1.41λ (λ = 780 nm), limited by the NA of the aspheric lens. For systems of highly excited Rydberg states with blockade radii greater than a few μm, the resolution achieved is sufficient for studying many physical processes of interest.