Chinese scientists have created a superlaser that reads text from a distance of 1.3 km

Chinese researchers have made another breakthrough in modern surveillance technology. In May 2025, they managed to create a laser system that can accurately read text as small as a grain of rice — just 3 millimeters — from a distance of 1.36 kilometers. This was reported by The Sun.

What makes this technology unique?

The new laser system is capable of providing images 14 times more accurately than traditional telescopes. This allows for high-quality optical data to be obtained from long distances. Experts consider this opportunity to be a “new stage in optical surveillance.”

Method of operation

The laser system works based on a method called active intensity interferometry. In this method, an image is created based on the reflection of light from surfaces and intensity fluctuations. This approach helps to maintain a high level of accuracy, despite various disturbances in the air.

Technical features:

Accuracy: Ability to read 3 mm text from a distance of 1.36 km;
Optical grid: As a result of light dispersion through 4×4 microlenses, the field of view has expanded from 17.2 mm to 68.8 mm;
Signal speed: The laser module operates at a frequency above 10 GHz;
Noise reduction: Optical noise is reduced by up to 10,000 times, which helps to more accurately receive weak signals.

In which areas can it be useful?

Archaeology: The ability to accurately read ancient inscriptions from a distance;
Ecology and biology: Remote monitoring of animal life;
Security and intelligence: Application in the creation of remote precise surveillance systems.

However, this technology cannot be used in all conditions. It is effective only for objects in the direct line of sight. Also, since it is necessary to direct the laser to the object, it is not suitable for covert surveillance.

In addition, this high-precision system has a complex structure and requires special knowledge and technical service to use.

Also, this technology is considered an important step that will determine the future of optical equipment and is expected to be used in practice in various fields soon.