Greater Noida (Tech Desk): Chinese scientists have made it a reality. Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an advanced laser technology that can recognise millimetre-level microscopic information even from 1.36 kilometres away.
The name of this new technology is “Active Intensity Interferometry”, which is different from traditional imaging. While usually a camera captures light directly to capture an image, this technology reconstructs the image by measuring the reflection and interference pattern of that light.
– In the system, eight infrared laser beams are fired at a remote target.
– Two powerful telescopes are used to capture the light reflected from the target.
– An ultra high-resolution image is produced by combining the information obtained from both the telescopes.
– With the help of this setup, scientists were able to read text up to 3 mm wide – which is thinner than the thickness of a pencil.
What does the research say?
According to the study published in the journal Physical Review Letters, “We have achieved about 14 times more resolution, overcoming the limitations of a single telescope.” This means that this technique can identify small objects from a long distance with much more accuracy than traditional imaging.
Possibilities: Expansion to surveillance, defence, space research
- Security and defence: This technique can be extremely useful for long-range surveillance and target identification.
- Space exploration: Low-light or non-luminous objects can also be seen with it.
- Engineering and industrial applications: Where accurate inspection is needed from a distance, it can play a big role.
But there are challenges
Although this technology is exciting, it also has some limitations:
– Line of Sight is required: that is, it is necessary to look directly at the target.
– Laser exposure is needed: This technology only works when the laser is actively fired at the object — so it may not be suitable for silent surveillance situations.
– System control and stability: Right now it is complex to control the laser beam, which will be further improved in the future.
Further direction: This technology will become more powerful in combination with AI
The researchers say that they plan to integrate this system with artificial intelligence (AI), so that images can be reconstructed even more accurately.
This laser technology of China is not only breaking the limits of distance, but is also creating a new definition of resolution. This technology can prove to be a game-changer in many areas — provided its challenges are solved.
