Using cyclic Hadamard masks for single-pixel quantum imaging under entangled photon illumination.

Abstract

Quantum imaging, operating at extremely low photon flux and accommodating nondegenerate imaging wavelengths, offers a unique approach for imaging light-sensitive structures. Conventional quantum imaging systems often require costly intensified charge-coupled devices together with complex delay line and triggering electronics, limiting broader applications. In this work, we propose an approach for quantum imaging that uses a simple rotating mask coded with cyclic Hadamard patterns, together with single-pixel detectors, eliminating the need for the abovementioned specialized devices. Single-pixel quantum imaging with a resolution of 41 pixels by 43 pixels is performed, and its noise-resistant performance is further studied with an improved gate time of 1 nanosecond using time-correlated single-photon counting. An imaging speed up to 2 frames per second can be achieved, corresponding to a spatial modulation rate of 3.8 kilohertz. Furthermore, quantum ghost imaging with the object and the mask modulation in separate beams is also demonstrated, showing the potential of our system for high-speed, low-cost, and noise-resistant quantum imaging applications.