Internship: Spatial-mode demultiplexers design for quantum-inspired super-resolution imaging (70900)

The Department of Signatorics at the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technology and Image Exploitation (IOSB) in Ettlingen is offering an internship on quantum-inspired super-resolution imaging through atmospheric turbulence. This opportunity is aimed at students in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, computer science or related disciplines.

The internship is located in the Adaptive Optics Group, which focuses on researching imaging through turbulence, particularly along horizontal paths and in strong turbulence, as well as free-space laser communications. The team develops simulations, theoretical models, image processing software, and adaptive optics systems. For more information about the Adaptive Optics Group at Fraunhofer IOSB, please visit .

Motivation
Improving the resolution of imaging systems is crucial for various fields of science and technology, including astronomy, remote sensing, microscopy, and diagnostic medicine. Traditional imaging methods rely on spatially resolved intensity measurements, such as those obtained with a camera, but are limited by diffraction. To surpass the diffraction limit, super-resolution techniques are necessary. Recent research in quantum information has shown that super-resolution can be achieved through spatial-mode demultiplexing followed by intensity measurements. At Fraunhofer IOSB, we study how to adapt these quantum-inspired techniques to the field of imaging through turbulence. A crucial task to reach this goal is the design and construction of the necessary spatial mode demultiplexers. This can be achieved by using multiplane light conversion (MPLC): an established technique that exploits multiple reflections on phase-manipulating optical elements (as those routinely used in adaptive optics setups) to realize arbitrary manipulations of light’s spatial profile.

Goals

The student will perform numerical simulations to compare the performances of different available MPLC design algorithms for the realization of a spatial-mode demultiplexer. After identifying the preferred design, it will be tested on an existing experimental setup.

What you will do

• Familiarization with the theory of quantum-inspired super-resolution imaging
• Comparison of known algorithms for MPLC (based on wave-front matching or gradient ascent), and identification of the most suitable method for implementation of a demultiplexer in the existing experimental setup
• Realization and testing of a demultiplexer in an existing experimental setup 
   

What you bring to the table

• You are enrolled in a college or university and study physics, engineering, computer science or a similar subject.
• You know the principles of optics and laser physics.
• You are not afraid of delving into quantum information theory and advanced statistics.
   

What you can expect

• You will have access to high-performance computing infrastructure to implement numerical simulations.
• You will have access to exceptionally equipped laboratories, with several unique, not commercially available devices.
• You will be supervised by experts in the fields of quantum optics, optical turbulence, and laser physics. 
• You have the opportunity to write your Bachelor's or Master's thesis with us.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Remuneration according to the federal government guidelines for intern salaries.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

With questions about this project please contact:
Dr. Szymon Gladysz
Adaptive Optics Group Leader
E-Mail:

Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB  

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Requisition Number: 70900 Application Deadline: