3D quantum ghost imaging microscope

We present a 3D quantum enhanced microscope which utilizes the principles of quantum ghost imaging (QGI) to produce volumetric images. This tool is developed to address current challenges in 3D microscopy which include the volumetric capture and tracking of photosensitive samples. Much of the active research on QGI are focused on exploiting the correlative behaviors of the quantum light sources, to obtain higher dimensional data than can be achieved with traditional imaging; in this vein, our study is similar. Where we believe our approach deviates, even from current research in QGI, is that we demonstrate that perpendicularly scattered light from the sample can still be correlated to generate a ghost image from a different perspective plane. Using two state-of-the-art single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array detectors, this achievement allows us to generate, for each count, positional coordinates from two perpendicular planes. We present this novel 3D QGI approach along with initial 3D images of silver nanoclusters, followed with a discussion on how the results can impact biological imaging applications. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.