A novel imaging concept and method of viewing images in an ultra narrowband spectral range on the order of 1 MHz using atomic resonance ionization image detectors (RIID) is proposed. The RIID can have a spatial resolution, working area, and acceptance angle aperature on the order of 0.03mm, several meters square, and 2 pi sr., respectively. The limit of quantum detection is estimated to be on the order of 10 (-2) - 10 (-3) quanta/second per pixel. In preliminary experiments, we have demonstrated the detection of a single photoelectron using resonance ionization and the detection, via fluorescence, of resonance images formed by Hg atoms and that laser induced photoionization in Hg vapor can be detected by the optical emission of the buffer gas via energy transfer from ionized Hg atoms. A number of potential applications for RIID's are discussed, indicating a wide range of uses in many scientific fields. A prototype system will be constructed and tested during phase I.
