The Future of Sensing and Imaging Using Quantum Microscopy

e Future of Sensing and Imaging Using

Quantum Microscopy
By Taha Khan Dec 19 2022

Quantum theory is used in a variety of microscopy techniques. Quantum microscopy

enables the measurement and imaging of tiny features of matter and quantum
particles. This article provides an overview of how quantum microscopy can drive
the future of sensing and imaging.

Image Credit: Ravenash/Shutterstock.com

Modern research extensively uses optical microscopy and spectroscopy in various fields,
from fundamental physics to chemistry, material science, and life sciences. It is fascinating
to see how advances in understanding light properties have prompted new imaging
applications over time.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2366
1 /5
The Future of Sensing and Imaging Using Quantum Microscopy

First and Second Quantum Revolutions

Understanding diffraction and interference requires considering light as a wave. At the
beginning of the twentieth century, the basic realization that light exists as discrete energy
units called quanta sparked the first quantum revolution, which built the whole laser and
photonics industry. In the second quantum revolution, quantum states that can display
entanglement and superposition are used for quantum technology applications. Due to
these new findings, various innovative sensing and imaging methods are now feasible.

How Quantum Microscopy Can Overcome Limitations

of Conventional Imaging Systems
One approach to overcoming some of the constraints of conventional imaging systems,
where entanglement plays a key role, is to use the quantum features of light. The energy,
momentum, and position correlations of the entangled photon pairs are particularly
important. They enable imaging and spectroscopy in spectral bands where effective
detection is not feasible.

Beyond classical restrictions like the shot noise level, sensing and imaging become
conceivable by employing certain quantum states of light and associated photon number
statistics. Additionally, two-photon fluorescence microscopy may be performed at very low
light intensities when using quantum light, opening up new perspectives for photosensitive
biological probes.

Imaging Biological Samples

There are several ways to go beyond the traditional restrictions of sensitivity and resolution
in optical microscopy, thanks to the principles of quantum optics. Imaging a biological
sample has remained difficult despite using several concepts in proof-of-concept tests,
primarily because of the intrinsically weak signal recorded and the fragility of quantum
states of light. However, in theory, these quantum protocols may increase the capabilities of
current super-resolution methods by introducing new information without erasing the
conventional information.

Quantum Optical Interferometry

Bright sources of entangled photons have sparked a revival in quantum optical
interferometry. Quantum metrology, quantum computing logic gates, quantum lithography,
quantum cryptography and quantum teleportation are some of the unique concepts related

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2366
2
/5
The Future of Sensing and Imaging Using Quantum Microscopy

to quantum entanglement that have been implemented using optical interferometry to test
the fundamentals of quantum mechanics.

In order to overcome the shot-noise limit in quantum metrology, new techniques have been
developed. For example, these techniques may be employed in fiber optical gyroscopes
and sensors for biological or chemical targets. Furthermore, imaging techniques like LIDAR
and optical lithography may surpass the Rayleigh diffraction limit by using this
entanglement.

Recent Developments
Quantum Image Scanning Microscopy (Q-ISM)
Image scanning microscopy (ISM) is a new super-resolution technique that improves
reliable resolution without lowering the signal intensity. Recently, researchers developed
quantum image scanning microscopy (Q-ISM), which increases the resolution of ISM up to
twofold, four times above the diffraction limit, by combining ISM with the measurement of
quantum photon correlation. They developed the Q-ISM concept and used photon
antibunching, a quantum phenomenon, as a resolution-enhancing contrast mechanism to
produce super-resolved optical pictures of a biological material dyed with fluorescent
quantum dots.

Van der Waals Sensors

A quantum microscope platform created by University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
researchers provides new techniques to examine material characteristics and physical
processes.

Due to their propensity to react to electromagnetic fields or other stimuli, quantum sensors
based on diamond nitrogen-vacancy centres are recognized as potentially sensitive devices
for monitoring specific physical attributes. However, reliance on quantum defects housed in
stiff 3D crystals like diamond has made it challenging to interact intimately with a sample
when employing solid-state spin sensors as microscopy tools up to this point.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2366
3
/5
The Future of Sensing and Imaging Using Quantum Microscopy

Image Credit: metamorworks/Shutterstock.com

Instead of a larger crystal, this novel method takes advantage of point flaws embedded
inside a tiny layer of hexagonal boron nitride (hBn). As a van der Waals substance, hBn
comprises weaker-hold material layers in two dimensions. As a result, Van der Waals
sensors might make it possible to use a quantum microscopy method on materials and
targets that were not previously reachable.

Future Prospects
Quantum microscopy enables the measurement and imaging of tiny features of matter and
quantum particles. Due to quantum microscopy, several novel sensing and imaging
techniques are now possible. The specifics covered in this article strongly imply that
quantum microscopy will play a significant part in future sensing and imaging. The
development of technologies like hBN-based quantum microscopes and quantum image
scanning microscopy has the potential to enhance resolution significantly. Future MRI and
NMR imaging of chemical processes, as well as imaging and remote sensing applications,
may all be done using hBN-based quantum microscopes.

More from AZoOptics: What are Fiber Optic Microendoscopes?

References and Further Reading

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2366
4 /5
The Future of Sensing and Imaging Using Quantum Microscopy

Gilaberte Basset, M., Setzpfandt, F., Steinlechner, F., Beckert, E., Pertsch, T., & Gräfe, M.
(2019). Perspectives for applications of quantum imaging. Laser & Photonics Reviews.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/lpor.201900097

Healey, A. J., Scholten, S. C., Yang, T., Scott, J. A., Abrahams, G. J., Robertson, I. O., ... &
Tetienne, J. P. (2022). Quantum microscopy with van der Waals heterostructures. Nature
Physics. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-022-01815-5

Jonathan P. Dowling and Kaushik P. Seshadreesan (2015) Quantum Optical Technologies

for Metrology, Sensing, and Imaging. Journal of Lightwave Technology.
https://opg.optica.org/jlt/abstract.cfm?URI=jlt-33-12-2359

Quantum microscopy prototype points to novel sensing and imaging (2022) Optics.org.
Available at: https://optics.org/news/13/11/13 (Assessed: November 28, 2022)

Tenne, R., Rossman, U., Rephael, B., Israel, Y., Krupinski-Ptaszek, A., Lapkiewicz, R., ... &
Oron, D. (2019). Super-resolution enhancement by quantum image scanning microscopy.
Nature Photonics. https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1806/1806.07661.pdf

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private
capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A
AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the
Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Written by

Taha Khan
Taha graduated from HITEC University Taxila with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. During
his studies, he worked on several research projects related to Mechanics of Materials, Machine
Design, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Robotics. After graduating, Taha worked as a Research
Executive for 2 years at an IT company (Immentia). He has also worked as a freelance content
creator at Lancerhop. In the meantime, Taha did his NEBOSH IGC certification and expanded his
career opportunities.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2366
5
/5