Honeywell International Inc.
Image sensing using atomic vapor cell assemblies

Abstract:

Systems and methods for image sensing using atomic vapor cell assemblies are provided. In certain embodiments, a device includes an atomic vapor cell assembly containing atoms associated with multiple pixel locations; a readout laser source that emits readout lasers that illuminate the atoms; a pump laser source that illuminates the atoms with pump lasers to prepare the atoms that are in a dark ground state, wherein an atom in the dark ground state is not coupled to the readout lasers; and a targeting laser source that emits a targeting laser towards a target, wherein a portion of the targeting laser reflected by the target that is incident upon the atoms causes the atoms to transition to a bright ground state; wherein the atoms in the bright ground state are coupled to the readout laser and emit multiple readout photons.