Quantum imaging utilizing entangled photon pairs takes advantage of their strong quantum correlations to surpass the limitations of classical imaging techniques in terms of spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. However, due to the low brightness of entangled photon sources, an enormous amount number of intensity images (∼107) is required for imaging, posing a challenge for practical implementation. In this study, we propose the use of a BiBO crystal for generating entangled photons to enhance the efficiency of quantum imaging. A BiBO crystal has large nonlinear optical coefficient, so it has been expected to serve as a high-brightness entangled photon source. However, a BiBO crystal has never been applied to quantum imaging because it's relatively recently discovered. Here, we investigate the potential of a BiBO crystal as a light source for high-efficiency quantum imaging by performing parallel intensity correlation measurements and implementing quantum image distillation as an example in comparison with the commonly used a BBO crystal. As a result, we achieved a tenfold reduction in measurement time of the conventional method and a significant improvement in imaging efficiency.
How can quantum mechanics deliver better imaging performance? Parametric down-conversion sources produce pairs of photons that are correlated in many degrees of freedom, including their spatial positions. By using a camera to detect these pairs of photons it is possible configure imaging systems that can either beat the classical resolution limit or the classical noise limit. We demonstrate how a simple down-conversion source based on a laser and non-linear crystal can be combined with an EMCCD camera to achieve either of these outcomes. Firstly, when both photons pass through the sample, we show a full-field, resolution-enhancing scheme, based on the centroid estimation of the photon pairs. By optimising the software control of the EMCCD camera running in the photon-sparse regime we achieve a resolution enhancement over the equivalent classical limit. Secondly, we show a similar scheme but where only one of the two photons pass through the sample and the other acts as a reference, in this case the ratio of the two resulting images eliminates the background noise of the camera, and background light, achieving an increase in image contrast.
Quantum imaging utilizing entangled photon pairs takes advantage of their strong quantum correlations to surpass the limitations of classical imaging techniques in terms of spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. However, due to the low brightness of entangled photon sources, an enormous number of intensity images (∼107) is required for imaging in previous studies in order to acquire images with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, posing a challenge for practical implementation. A BiBO crystal, known for its large nonlinear optical coefficient, is considered a promising high-brightness entangled photon source. However, its performance has not been quantitatively evaluated in the context of quantum imaging systems, particularly regarding its impact on imaging performance. Here, we investigate the potential of a BiBO crystal as a light source for high-efficiency quantum imaging by performing parallel intensity correlation measurements and implementing quantum image distillation as an example in comparison with a commonly used BBO crystal. The results demonstrate that the use of the BiBO crystal enables more efficient quantum imaging compared to the conventional BBO crystal.