Published August 10, 2016 | Version Submitted
Discussion Paper Open

Enhanced Thermal Object Imaging by Photon Addition or Subtraction

Abstract

Long-baseline interferometry (LBI) is used to reconstruct the image of faint thermal objects. The image quality, for a given exposure time, is in general limited by a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We show theoretically that a significant increase of the SNR, in a LBI, is possible by adding or subtracting photons to the thermal beam. At low photon counts, photon addition-subtraction technology strongly enhances the image quality. We have experimentally realized a nondeterministic physical protocol for photon subtraction. Our theoretical predictions are supported by experimental results.

Additional Information

This research was developed with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) and by Boeing IR&D. The views, opinions, and/or findings expressed are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official views or policies of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government. Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited.

Attached Files

Submitted - 1609.02780.pdf

Files

1609.02780.pdf

Files (718.3 kB)

Name Size
md5:7031d78f5d2ae6a5001df83def2cb376
718.3 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Identifiers

Eprint ID
97181
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20190717-082422658

Related works

Funding

Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA)
3771
Boeing Corporation

Dates

Created
2019-07-17
Created from EPrint's datestamp field
Updated
2023-06-02
Created from EPrint's last_modified field