Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have created a device that can read the text of an open book from nearly 3,200 feet away. This achievement leverages advanced interferometry—a technique that analyzes overlapping light waves to generate interference patterns, commonly used in astronomy.
The system employs eight infrared laser beams to illuminate distant objects. By splitting the laser and analyzing variations in light intensity via multiple detectors, the device reconstructs clear images of small characters, as small as three millimeters in diameter, even through atmospheric disturbances. The use of multiple beams significantly improves resolution over traditional single-beam methods.
Future enhancements may include artificial intelligence algorithms to better interpret distant images and expand the device’s applications beyond its initial capabilities.
This technological breakthrough raises critical privacy and security concerns. The ability to remotely read text blurs boundaries between public and private spaces and could be exploited for surveillance or espionage. Ethical considerations and regulatory measures will be essential to govern the use of such powerful imaging technology.
As remote sensing technology advances, ongoing collaboration between scientists and policymakers is vital to ensure innovation aligns with societal responsibility and individual privacy protections.