Super-resolution and quantum anomalies

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The goal of the proposed collaboration is to understand the fundamental physics underlying super-resolving lenses so that new types can be designed that are capable of imaging subwavelength structures. Such lenses are important for quantum technology because they allow individual atomic qubits to be coupled by light in a near perfect fashion. They will also have applications in quantum sensing and the life sciences. One lens we wish to investigate is Maxwell's Fish Eye Lens (MFEL). According to geometric optics this is a perfect lens. However, the wave theory of the MFEL is controversial and seems to require a dissipative (non-hermitian) element. Using a close analogy to the behaviour of quantum particles in scale free potentials, we will bring the methods of quantum scale anomalies to bear on this problem. Our collaboration will bring together a team from the University of Birmingham that has expertise in singular optics with a team from McMaster that has experience in quantum anomalies. Birmingham hosts the UK's Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Timing and also a Centre for Doctoral Training on topology. All combined this will provide a large amount of expertise in the area of the proposal and excellent training opportunities for students.