The Quantum Camera

SCMP: Chasing ghost images: Chinese scientists report breakthrough in a quantum camera for satellite use

A quantum camera is significantly smaller and lighter than traditional optical cameras. Its sensor has just one pixel, and it has no need for expensive, bulky telescope lenses. The magic lies in quantum physics.

Instead of trying to “see” an object, the quantum camera simply “feels” the rise and fall of photonic waves in quantum fields around the camera.

In a sense, it is like a Buddhist monk in meditation. If some photons hit an object and bounce towards the camera, the quantum fields will be disturbed to create a “ghost image” of the object.