Milestone in quantum sensing: A prototype quantum optical microscope

The world's first quantum optical microscope is lighting up new paths for studying biological processes.

Researchers peering deep into biological samples — or optometrists looking into your retinas — need blinding light to see beyond the surface. In traditional microscopy, the exhaustive process and the invasive high-intensity light can damage cells and reduce the quality of images produced. That calls for complex precautions, which could also limit the study of biological processes.

With innovative quantum technology driving development of a new microscope, the sky is the limit. Now in the prototyping stage, the microscope not only consistently delivers high-resolution images without harming cells but also does it more quickly under ultra-low light. This innovative technology is all about manipulating photons — the smallest possible packets of electromagnetic energy.

Developed by a team of researchers from the National Research Council, UCalgary, uOttawa and beyond, the microscope uses entangled photons to provide ultra-low intensity illumination. By harnessing the power of correlations between single photons, the technology speeds the process and reduces the risk of photo damage while delivering high-resolution images.

According to project leader Dr. Shabir Barzanjeh, an associate professor at UCalgary's Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science, the non-invasive quantum technology protects delicate samples and makes capturing clear images a breeze. Its correlation-based photo detection enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, producing high-contrast, detailed 3D images.

"We're also building machine learning systems to make post-processing and image reconstruction faster," he adds. The technology could have applications in biomedical imaging, clinical applications and materials science.

Learn more about the work in a 2023 article by the researchers in Physical Review Research and in a short YouTube video on quantum microscopes for biomedical applications.

Collaborations light the way to development

Dr. Barzanjeh points out that collaborations between academia and government — and eventually industry — are critical to success in advancing such an ambitious and important initiative. "Classical devices had reached their performance limit, so we needed to push beyond that," he says. To do that, team members continually exchanged knowledge and developed new expertise together.

The three Canadian institutions involved in this project have a long history of developing quantum technology. According to Dr. Ben Sussman, a team leader on the NRC's ultrafast quantum photonics team, and adjunct professor of physics at uOttawa, it has taken the NRC decades to build a team of in-house experts from around the world. And while the NRC is a world leader in many areas of quantum, we need the help of others who contribute their unique specialties.

"Much of the research is done by young PhD students and postdocs, who are vital to the lifeblood of our success," adds Sussman. "The vibrant research environment is an exciting workplace for not only seasoned researchers but also aspiring specialists."

Among the project milestones the team has reached is the creation of a novel imaging technique using hybrid optical–microwave cavity technology. The team has also developed a quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT) device that depends on non-classical light sources to reconstruct the internal composition of multi-layered materials. Other achievements include using tunable lasers to remove artifacts and echoes (fake structures) in images that hinder the retrieval of information from tomography scans. In this case, the team used genetic algorithms to not only distinguish real interfaces, artifacts and echoes but also speed post-processing.

The team was able to obtain funding through the NRC's Internet of Things: Quantum Sensors Challenge program to build the lab, hire students and establish QuantaSense, a startup that develops market-ready quantum technology for use in labs, hospitals and businesses around the world.

"This program underlines the importance of the NRC in helping research groups create essential collaborations that advance quantum technology in Canada," says Dr. Aimee Gunther, the program director. "The quantum sensor program supports Canada's National Quantum Strategy by enabling these kinds of collaborative projects between researchers across the country." She stresses that all of Canada benefits in many ways from excellent science when new technologies are developed and commercialized by startups in a strong Canadian quantum ecosystem.

Leaving the lab

Dr. Barzanjeh, who also founded QuantaSense, reports that the microscope project is at the prototyping and deployment stage. "Once we build and sell it, our patented product will be the first of its kind on the market," he says. "Offering more powerful amplification at a fraction of the cost, it is an accessible and commercially viable solution."

The company is seeking investors to bring this groundbreaking technology to market — and to continue developing other quantum sensing solutions.

"We innovate continuously to solve society's biggest challenges," adds Barzanjeh. "Our quantum sensing technologies address critical issues in health care, environmental monitoring and more, ensuring meaningful impact and progress."

This project is supported by grants and contributions awarded through the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program, administered by the NRC's National Program Office. For more information on this research area, send an email to NRC.QuantumSensors-CapteursQuantiques.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.