High-contrast interaction-free quantum imaging method

Abstract

Quantum imaging techniques offer enhanced resolution, contrast, and precision at ultralow illumination levels compared to traditional imaging approaches. Relying on the unique properties of entangled photon pairs, two of these techniques stand out: the correlation-based quantum imaging technique provides visibility enhancement in imaging of a low-reflectivity object which is subject to excessive noise and losses, while the interaction-free ghost imaging allows for probing the presence of an object with an ultimately low number of photons. Here we propose a quantum imaging scheme that combines the unique advantages of these two approaches. We show that this scheme offers high-contrast imaging of objects with a minimal number of photons that can minimize thermal noise efficiently and create background-free images. We anticipate that this approach can find application in the imaging of photosensitive biological tissues in a noninvasive and harm-free fashion.