arXiv subjects

Ziv Abelson

Publications and source records attributed to Ziv Abelson.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

High Frame-Rate Mid-Infrared SPAD Camera

Single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays have transformed optical imaging by enabling photon-counting sensitivity, picosecond resolution, and high frame-rate operation. These capabilities, however, have remained confined to the visible and near-infrared, leaving the mid-infrared, the spectral region hosting the fundamental vibrational signatures of most molecules, largely inaccessible. Here, we demonstrate the first mid-IR SPAD camera by integrating broadband adiabatic frequency upconversion with a 512x512 Silicon SPAD array. This architecture transfers full SPAD functionality to the mid-IR, enabling room-temperature, low-noise, broadband photon-counting imaging. We achieve spectrally resolved mid-IR imaging at frame rates of up to 60,000 frames per second and capture nanosecond-scale laser-induced thermal dynamics via weak mid-IR blackbody emission, revealing spatial-temporal behavior inaccessible to existing technologies. These results establish a scalable platform for photon-resolved, ultrafast thermal and chemical imaging in a spectral range previously inaccessible to high-speed low-light detection.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Single-Shot Multispectral Mid-Infrared Imaging with Incoherent Light via Adiabatic Upconversion

Multispectral mid-infrared (2-5 ${{\mu}m}$) imaging is a critical capability across science and technology, offering a window into the vibrational and thermal landscape of matter that is inaccessible to visible sensors. It bridges the microscopic world of molecular interactions with macroscopic sensing technologies, with applications in environmental sensing, defense and molecular diagnostics. However, current mid-IR cameras require cryogenic cooling and exhibit limited pixel resolution, high cost, and restricted spectral access. Optical up-conversion provides a pathway to overcome these limitations, but existing systems typically rely on narrowband phase matching, mechanical scanning, or angular tuning, limiting imaging speed and practicality. Here, we demonstrate the first single-shot, room-temperature multispectral mid-IR imaging of incoherent thermal light enabled by adiabatic sum-frequency conversion. Our system simultaneously converts the entire (2-5 ${{\mu}m}$) region into the visible domain, capturing the image on a Silicon detector with spatial resolution below 20 ${{\mu}m}$ and high angular tolerance. We validate full-field imaging using a USAF resolution target and demonstrate spectroscopic contrast imaging in dielectric metamaterials by resolving wavelength and polarization dependent scattering resonances, all achieved without scanning, thermal control, or cryogenic operation. This compact and robust approach bridges the gap between laboratory-grade infrared sensors and scalable Silicon-based detection technologies suitable for real-world deployment.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Probeless vs Probe-Based Variable-Strength Eavesdropping in Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a provably secure way of generating a secret key, which can later be used for encoding and decoding information. In this paper we analyze the effects of an eavesdropper's variable-strength measurements on QKD. Two types of measurements have been considered: (i) a probe-based model, commonly referred to as a "weak measurement", in which each qubit is weakly coupled to a continuous variable probe which is later projectively measured (ii) a probeless model, usually referred to as a "partial measurement", where only a small (tunable) part of all transmitted photons is projectively measured and the rest are transmitted with no disturbance. The information gain of the eavesdropper and the quantum-bit-error-rate (QBER) are computed for each case. An experimental realization of an intercept-and-resend attack based on variable-strength partial measurements is demonstrated in a time-bin-encoded, fiber-based simplified Bennett-Brassard 1984 (BB84) protocol, which is compatible with data centers. It is shown that the measured information gain and QBER follow the theoretical curves across the full coupling range, validating the partial-measurement model and clarifying its relation to the well-known monitoring channel. Further attacks involving photon number splitting and noise injection during the calibration stage are also analyzed. The results highlight the theoretical differences between weak and partial measurements, while also demonstrating the practicality of probeless eavesdropping in the case of real-world QKD systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Light with Even Fock states from Interference of Kerr-squeezed Light

We demonstrate the generation of non-classical light by destructive interference of identical Kerr squeezed states. Perfect pair-wise cancellation of amplitudes that contribute to odd Fock states results in light with only even Fock states, independent of the strength of the nonlinearity. The observability of this effect is only limited by the quality of the interferometer. In the low nonlinearity limit, the even-only state resembles a squeezed vacuum state, yet the even-odd oscillations persist when the nonlinearity is strong. The effect is also robust against deviations from the optimum relative phase of the input Kerr-squeezed states.

quant-ph↗