School of Mathematics

Kostas Zygalakis has been awarded an EPSRC research grant entitled Bayesian Computation for Low-Photon Imaging

Kostas Zygalakis has been awarded an EPSRC research grant entitled Bayesian Computation for Low-Photon Imaging. The grant, in collaboration with Marcelo Pereyra, Heriot-Watt University, focuses on CI methodology for quantum-enhanced imaging, a new imaging paradigm that seeks to exploit the quantum nature of light to go far beyond what is possible in classical optics in terms of spatial and temporal resolution and dynamic range. This transformative approach is poised to dramatically advance imaging technologies and generate great social and economic impact. To make sure that the UK is at the forefront of this strategic technological developments, the UK government created the Quantum Enhanced Imaging Hub (QUANTIC) in 2014 as part of the UK National Quantum Technology Programme, which was renewed this year. QUANTIC has developed impressive new sensors for extreme imaging conditions. However, these advances in sensor technology have not been matched by progress in CI methodology, gravely jeopardizing the impact of these promising technologies. The aim of the grant is to develop CI methodology specifically designed for solving quantum-enhanced imaging problems in which very few photons are observed (i.e., low-photon and single-photon imaging problems). The methods will be formulated in the Bayesian statistical framework, which is particularly appropriate for solving these challenging imaging problems because:

  1. it enables the use of sophisticated statistical models to accurately describe the underlying physics,
  2. it allows the automatic calibration of models,
  3. it provides tools to quantify the uncertainty in the solutions delivered.