Ghost Imaging of Space Objects

Ghost imaging is an optical imaging technique that utilizes the correlations between optical fields in two channels. One of the channels contains the object, however lacks any spatial resolution. In the other, empty channel a space-resolving optical detection is allowed. The image is reconstructed by correlating the signals from two channels. In the original implementation, the channels had to be coupled to quantum-correlated (entangled) optical fields. Later it was shown that this approach could also work with ordinary thermal light (e.g., star light), which also possesses correlation properties. However the ghost imaging geometry remains poorly compatible with the imaging of astronomical objects. Specifically, creating the correlated optical channels requires a beam splitter to be placed between the source and the object. The study team recently re-examined this requirement and found a possibility to avoid it, therefore potentially opening the doors to the ghost-imaging of distant objects using natural light. The key to the proposed approach is the understanding that an optical mode can be coupled in two channels not only by splitting its amplitude with a beam splitter, but also by sub-mode detection, which occurs naturally when the object is smaller than the transverse coherence length. In Phase-I the team will discuss the requirements arising for this type of ghost imaging and theoretically validate the novel approach.

Potential benefits of the application of ghost imaging in astronomy and astrophysics include the enhanced resolution and broader range imaging of extra-terrestrial objects, such as Earth-like planets (including those near bright stars), black holes, and dust or gas clouds. Optical imaging in astronomy will remain an active area of NASA's deep space exploration efforts for many years to come, and developing a novel architecture geared to provide new or enhanced data will definitely have a high impact. Practical applications of conventional and computational ghost imaging is an active area of research in the engineering community, including JPL (stand-off sensing instruments for DARPA). This interest is justified the reduced optical and photodetector complexities inherent in ghost imaging. However, a thorough feasibility study is required prior to launching a large-scale effort focused on astronomy and astrophysics applications. We propose to carry out such a study and present our recommendations by the Phase II start, as to whether such an effort would be practical at the present level of technology.

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