It sounds like something lifted from spy fiction: Chinese researchers have unveiled a laser-based imaging system that can read letters just three millimetres wide and from a staggering 1.36 kilometres away.

Developed by scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, the system uses a technique called active intensity interferometry (AII) to reconstruct images based on how light reflects off surfaces, thereby bypassing traditional camera limitations.

Unlike standard optics – which rely on pristine lenses and unimpeded light paths – this approach employs eight infrared lasers to illuminate a target. Two telescopes then capture the reflected intensity, while an algorithm stitches the data into a high-resolution image, cutting through atmospheric interference with remarkable precision.

The test set-up involved reading the letters “USTC” carved into aluminium and coated in reflective sheeting. The device achieved a resolution of three millimetres, which is 14 times finer than that of a conventional telescope at the same distance.

Originally a tool for astronomy and quantum physics, AII’s leap into terrestrial imaging could revolutionise surveillance, environmental monitoring and archaeology. However, the technology also raises questions about privacy and ethical usage.

Although the system isn’t fully stealthy – requiring direct line-of-sight and active illumination – it does open up applications in inaccessible or delicate environments. Future upgrades aim to enhance portability and integrate artificial intelligence for real-time image rendering.

This quantum-enabled breakthrough may soon become a vital tool in high-resolution remote sensing, blurring the line between cutting-edge science and potential espionage.

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