ECE Ph.D. student Itay Ozer has co-authored a paper recently published in online journal Optica. Titled Experimental demonstration of a quantum-optimal coronagraph using spatial mode sorters, the paper uses quantum detection and estimation theory to demonstrate a “quantum optimal coronagraph”.

Ozer received his B.S. and M.S. in optical science and engineering from the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. His co-author is Nico Deshler, a Ph.D student at the University of Arizona. Ozer and Deshler were advised by Clark Distinguished Chair Professor Saikat Guha.

As a member of the Photonic Quantum Systems Group (PhoQuS), led by Professor Guha, Ozer’s research focuses on utilizing spatial mode sorting to improve the performance of hard imaging tasks in the sub diffraction regime.

In his paper, Ozer takes on the challenge of finding habitable planets beyond our solar system. Traditionally, this problem has led astronomers to develop multiple methods of exoplanet detection. Over the years, this has led to over 5500 confirmed discoveries, although these discoveries relied on indirect observations resulting in limited information on more detailed planetary features.

However, in contrast to these indirect observations, the development of direct imaging techniques will result in the ability to spatially observe orbiting exoplanets, thus providing more detailed planetary data. To solve this challenge, Ozer proposes using a “quantum optimal coronagraph”, which exceeds the capability of traditional telescopes that use coronagraph techniques to detect exo-planets that emit low levels of light in comparison to the bright stars surrounding them. His design uses quantum detection and estimation theory to bypass obstacles, such as photon shot noise and diffraction, which prevent the attainment of concrete data.

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