Undergraduate Innovators Invent Method for 3D Quantum Holography
Undergraduate innovators at Brown University, Moe (Yameng) Zhang and Wenyu Liu, have transformed what once was thought as fantasy into tangible technology by pioneering a method for creating three-dimensional holograms through the application of quantum entanglement. Their groundbreaking work, which was showcased at the recent Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics, successfully overcomes the long-standing issue known in the realm of microscopic imaging as phase wrapping.
Advancing Imaging with Quantum Entanglement
The cutting-edge method utilizes dual light frequencies, utilizing infrared light to bathe the target and subsequently capturing its reflection with visible light that is quantumly entangled with the infrared illumination. Employing this sophisticated technique, researchers can now record both the light’s intensity and phase information, producing genuine holographic representations. Zhang states, βThis is what we refer to as Quantum Multi-Wavelength Holography. It is transformative as it offers enhanced precision in the measurement of an objectβs thickness, opening the door for the production of accurate three-dimensional images through the deployment of indirect photons.”
The scientific community, including Professor Xu, has noted the significance of the undergraduate’s research, marveling at the ability to create images with such depth resolution, a feat that seemed unattainable until now.
Circumventing Costly Infrared Detectors
The process further innovates by circumventing the need for high-cost infrared detectors by relying on photon entanglement. Specifically, a non-linear crystal initiates the entanglement of photons across infrared and visible light frequencies, subsequently leveraging the visible spectrum that can be captured with conventional, more affordable silicon detectors.
“The utilization of infrared wavelengths is paramount in biological imaging due to their capacity to permeate skin without causing harm to sensitive structures,” Liu points out. “Nevertheless, imaging typically necessitates costly detectors for the infrared spectrum, which our approach notably bypasses by instead using visible light for detection.”
Tackling Phase Wrapping
To tackle phase wrapping, the team used two distinctively entangled photon sets at varying wavelengths. This nuanced approach significantly widened their measurements’ depth range, leading to more precise and accurate imaging.
Liuβs remarkable contributions to this project led to his being awarded the School of Engineeringβs Ionata prize for his innovative and independent study, which includes his senior thesis. Zhang, reflecting on the unique chance to present their findings and interface with leading figures in the field, conveyed immense excitement: “Having previously poured over publications by these field-leading figures, attending the conference and engaging with some of them was an incredible encounter. Itβs a phenomenal boon to our work.”
The duo’s proof-of-concept demonstration, imaging a 1.5-millimeter metallic letter “B,” serves as a testament to the potential of quantum entanglement in generating high-fidelity 3D imagery that could profoundly impact a range of sectors from academic research to medical diagnostics.
