A scientist who created a camera that can see round corners has been awarded the Philip Levenhulme prize for his research in photonics and light-based technologies.
Currently leading the Extreme Light group within Heriot-Watt University’s Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences in Scotland, Professor Daniele Faccio is one of just 30 academics in the UK to receive the 2015 Philip Leverhulme Prize, worth £100,000.
His work as part of QuantIC, the UK’s centre of excellence for research, development and innovation in quantum enhanced imaging, involves imaging light in motion which could open up opportunities for developing new camera systems. QuantIC’s QuantiCam technology is an imaging system that can see behind walls or around corners, and has the potential for other applications including non-invasive medical imaging and monitoring the ripeness and health of fruit.
The equipment was on display at a roadshow demonstrating quantum technology at The Royal Society in London on 11 November. The event was organised by the UK National Quantum Technology Programme.
Professor Faccio’s research with QuantIC focusses on developing technologies to measure light at the single photon level. The technique reconstructs the photon's arrival time with high temporal precision and therefore effectively captures ‘light in flight’. This feat of imaging light in motion has never been achieved before.
QuantIC brings together the Universities of Glasgow, Bristol, Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt, Warwick, Oxford and Strathclyde with over 30 industry partners. Established in February 2015, it is one of four quantum technology hubs supported by the UK Government’s £270m National Quantum Technology Programme announced in November 2014, which was set up to exploit the potential of quantum science.
Professor Faccio commented on receiving the award: ‘It’s a fantastic acknowledgement on the importance of new light technologies and I’d like to thank The Leverhulme Trust for this award which will enable us to facilitate more networking and collaboration between external research groups and support our public engagement and outreach activities.’
Further information:
Heriot-Watt University’s Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences
