Quantum-limited super-resolution imaging

提高成像分辨率对于许多科学技术领域都是至关重要的，但衍射极限一直是制约成像分辨率的瓶颈。量子信息理论将光场看作量子系统，通过将光场解复用为不同的空间模式，从根本上突破衍射极限是可能的。然而，如何接近量子极限的全成像仍然不清楚，这是具有挑战性的实现真正的微观物体的量子限制的超分辨率。为解决这一问题，本论文的主要研究目标是：（1）确定全成像的量子分辨率极限;（2）发展一种接近量子极限的实用、通用的成像方法;（3）实现量子极限远场显微镜的原型。通过对研究和可转移技能的全面培训，该行动将使申请人的学术领导能力多样化。该研究将整合多学科和跨学科方法，将（1）量子断层扫描和分析与Fisher信息形式主义相结合，（2）空间模式操纵和光的检测，（3）纳米光学/显微镜建立全成像的量子估计理论，开发新的检测技术，进行显微成像，并评估其相对于传统成像的优势。这三个研究目标对应于三个渐进的研究工作包，以确保奖学金的成功，以及各种传播/开发计划，以最大限度地发挥行动的影响。拟议的目标，如果成功的话，将导致革命性的成像技术，有可能改变涉及光学成像的所有科学和技术领域的面貌，包括天文学，生物学，医学和纳米技术，以及光学机械工业。

Enhancing the resolution in imaging is crucial for many fields in science and technology but is always hampered by the diffractionlimit. Treating light fields as quantum systems, quantum information theory show that it is possible to fundamentally break thediffraction limit by demultiplexing the optical field into different spatial modes. However, the way to approach the quantum limit forfull imaging remains unclear and it is challenging to realize quantum-limited super-resolution for truly microscopic objects. To tacklethis problem, the proposed research aims to: (1) identify the quantum resolution limit for full imaging; (2) develop a practical anduniversal imaging method towards the quantum limit; (3) realize the prototype of quantum-limited far-field microscope. Throughcomprehensive training on both research and transferable skills, this action will diversify the applicant's competences for academicleadership.The research will integrate multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, combining (1) quantum tomography and statisticalanalysis with Fisher information formalism, (2) spatial mode manipulation and detection of light, and (3) nano-optics/microscopy toestablish quantum estimation theory of full imaging, develop novel detection techniques, perform microscopic imaging and evaluateits advantages over conventional imaging.The 3 research objectives correspond to 3 progressive research work packages to ensure the success of the fellowship, together witha variety of dissemination/exploitation plans to maximize the impact of the action. The proposed objectives, if successful, will result ina revolutionary imaging technology with a potential to change the faces of all fields of science and technology that involve opticalimaging, ranging over astronomy, biology, medicine and nanotechnology, as well as optomechanical industry.