The project: Targeted breakthrough

The targeted breakthrough is to develop novel quantum 3D imaging devices, named quantum plenoptic cameras, able to offer the typical advantages of plenoptic imaging, primarily ultrafast, scanning-free, 3D imaging and refocusing capability, but with world-class performances:
resolution will range between the diffraction and the quantum limit, the depth of focus (DOF) versus resolution compromise will achieve an unprecedented relieve, SNR will be maximized by targeting sub-shot noise.

However, end-users need to have the acquired data and see results, in near real-time or at least in a few minutes; this is essential for the new generation of quantum 3D imaging devices to be effectively competitive with available imaging systems.

Hence, while breaking the limits of present 3D imaging techniques, we shall address the main challenges of quantum imaging, namely, the slow acquisition speed and elaboration time.
To this end, we shall exploit quantum entanglement and photon number correlations within novel correlation plenoptic imaging protocols, and employ the tools of quantum information and quantum tomography, combined with cutting-edge technology, engineering and know-how in detectors, electronics, and image processing.

In particular, our goal is to deliver two quantum plenoptic imaging (QPI) devices, namely,
  • the prototype of a compact single-lens plenoptic camera, based on the photon number correlations of a dim chaotic light source, making 3D imaging at 100 Hz, with SNR>20dB,
  • an ultra-low noise plenoptic device, based on the correlation properties of entangled photon pairs emitted by spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC), enabling 3D imaging of low-absorbing samples at 10 Hz, at the shot-noise limit or below.
Both QPI devices shall be characterized by high resolution, whether diffraction-limited or sub-Rayleigh, combined with even a 1 order of magnitude larger DOF than standard imaging.

The achievement of this final goal relies on the following specific objectives:
    O1: ultrafast (100 kHz), high-resolution (512x512) and ultra-low noise (100cps) single-photon sensor arrays for reducing the acquisition time by 2-3 orders of magnitude with respect to typical quantum imaging (depending on photon flux and desired SNR), thus achieving 1-10 quantum plenoptic images per sec;
    O2: ultra-fast computing platforms (e.g., GPU, FPGA), for fast and effective data elaboration, combined with dedicated software solutions based on compressive sensing, machine learning and quantum tomography, for stable 3D image reconstruction with minimal number of frames (over 1 order of magnitude reduction of the required data for a given SNR, e.g., 102-103), thus further speeding up acquisition to 10-100 Hz and optimizing the elaboration time to enable retrieving quantum plenoptic images in a few minutes;
    O3: novel quantum Fisher information inspired measuring protocols enabling quantum plenoptic imaging with super-resolution.
The science and technology developed in the project will contribute to establish a solid baseline of knowledge and skills for the development of a new generation of imaging devices, from quantum digital cameras enhanced by refocusing capability to quantum 3D microscopes and space imaging devices. We shall prove the wide range of applicability of the delivered devices, which distinguishes QPI from the plethora of 3D imaging technologies so far developed, each one for a specific application (as typical of immaturity).

The Project addresses the QuantERA call areas 5, specifically quantum imaging.
The overall aim of the Project is to start the translational research for moving our novel quantum 3D imaging technology from lab to end-users, ready for inspiring novel applications, scientific routes, and industrial products.

Based on the enormous scientific, industrial and societal potential of high-speed 3D imaging at high resolution and low noise, the results of the Project are expected to generate novel imaging and diagnostic tools, in many branches of science:
quantum plenoptic microscopes and endoscopes for biophotonics and biomedical imaging, quantum space imaging devices, quantum 3D cameras for both security and industrial inspection applications.
The research is thus expected to open new scientific and technological possibilities, and to play a transformational role in technology and society.