Super-resolved microscopy of multiple point emitters

In general, imaging resolution is limited by diffraction to half the wavelength of the light. When imaging single molecules, techniques such as STORM, PALM and MINFLUX have broken through the diffraction limit by imaging molecules one at a time, reaching resolutions well below the wavelength of the light. This project aims to extend the idea of super-resolved imaging to systems of more than one point emitter (i.e. molecule) that scatter light at a time. Direct imaging of the emitted light does not allow resolving multiple emitters when they are within a distance of less than a wavelength. This is because of the quantum fluctuations of light, the so-called shot-noise. However, quantum information theory has shown that more sophisticated interferometric measurements, which yield information about the phase of the light, can deliver more information about the relative positions of the emitters, even when they are close to each other. The difficulty is that the measurement must be tuned to the particular spatial configuration of emitters. We will experimentally explore the idea of adaptive measurement, where the optical set-up collecting the light is optimized in real time as more information from the object is being obtained. Using piezoelectric actuators, programmable diffractive components, and deformable mirrors, we will demonstrate super-resolution first in the determination of the distance between a pair of overlapping emitters. We will then seek to generalize the method to more emitters. This project is for a physics student who wants to learn about fundamental quantum information and feedback theory, design and set-up state-of-the-art optical systems, program fast electronics, and collaborate with life-scientists who count fluorescent molecules in the context of cancer detection.

For more information about our group, check

https://quantumoptics.org.uk

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/boyer-vincent

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy.