Space-Time Imaging Below the Diffraction Limit

University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed an innovative method for space-time imaging of vectorial properties below the diffraction limit of light, potentially enabling deep sub-diffraction limited resolution imaging at the atomic scale. This novel technology challenges the century-old Abbe diffraction limit by applying nonlinear optical and near-field methods, enabling three-dimensional imaging of optical fields with sub-nanometer precision. By capturing optical flow in space and time and utilizing artificial intelligence for analysis, this method allows for the precise imaging of vectorial optical fields, which is crucial for advancing quantum computation and spintronic applications.

Description

This new approach allows for the recording of movies of optical field interference with sub-optical cycle resolution, extracting flow velocities in two spatial directions. The resulting images can reveal the spin textures of optical fields, offering unprecedented insights into the fundamental behaviors of light at the atomic level. This technology vastly exceeds traditional resolution limits, with demonstrated capabilities of ~40 nm resolution, significantly surpassing the Abbe limit of ~275 nm. The ability to image optical spin distributions with such precision marks a quantum leap

Applications

- Quantum Computing
- Spintronics
- Advanced Microscopy

Advantages

The space-time imaging technology developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers offers several remarkable advantages. It provides deep sub-diffraction limited resolution, enabling imaging at scales previously thought impossible, including atomic and sub-nanometer levels. This breakthrough opens new possibilities in fields like quantum computing and spintronics, where understanding the intricate behaviors of light and spin at these scales is essential. Additionally, the method's ability to capture the vectorial properties of optical fields in 3D and time-resolved dimensions allows for a much more comprehensive analysis of optical phenomena. The use of artificial intelligence to analyze optical flow further enhances the precision and applicability of this technology, making it a versatile tool for cutting-edge research and development.

Invention Readiness

The development of this space-time imaging technology has reached a prototype stage, where it has already demonstrated significant capabilities in achieving deep sub-diffraction limited resolution. The technology has been rigorously tested in various experimental settings, showcasing its potential to transform optical imaging. The inventors are actively seeking collaborations to refine and scale the technology, with an eye toward integration into practical quantum computing and spintronic systems.

IP Status

https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2023023317A1

Related Publications

Ghosh, A., Yang, S., Dai, Y., Zhou, Z., Wang, T., Huang, C.-B., & Petek, H. (2021). A topological lattice of plasmonic merons. Applied Physics Reviews, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0062133

Ghosh, A., Yang, S., Dai, Y., Liu, W. V., & Petek, H. (2024). Plasmonic vortices host magnetoelectric interactions. Physical Review Research, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevresearch.6.013163