Reading Text from a Mile Away: A Novel Interferometer Imaging System

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a novel high-resolution imaging system capable of clearly identifying millimeter-sized letters from a kilometer away. Utilizing intensity interferometry, the system illuminates the target with multiple laser beams and collects the reflected light using two small telescopes. This technique overcomes challenges associated with the coherence of laser light in traditional methods. By cleverly splitting the laser into multiple beams for incoherent illumination, it significantly improves imaging resolution. Potential applications include space debris detection.