Quantum biosensing and imaging with squeezed light

Project description

Quantum sensing and imaging experiments have demonstrated enhancements in signal-to-noise ratio compared to their traditional classical counterparts. Single molecule quantum sensing with nonclassical sources of light would be a forerunner to attaining the smallest uncertainty and the highest information per photon number. The application of quantum light and information processing in quantum enhanced single molecule sensors would allow us to build biosensors that operate at possible fundamental limits of detection. The analysis of photon correlations could be applied to reveal new functional information about living matter and biophotons. Quantum correlations based improvement in signal-to-noise ratio for a given illumination intensity without increased optical intrusion on the biosamples which in turn avoid the photodamage of the sensitive biological analytes. In particular, this could allow the observation of dynamics in biological systems over longer time periods than previously possible. By means of quantum squeezed States of light generated through nonlinear optical parametric processes enable quantum correlations that can reduce the noise on the optical amplitude or phase quadrature of the light. Using squeezed light as quantum probe by means of quantum coherences, it is envisaged to enhance the sensing and imaging capabilities in terms of sensitivity and resolution, decreasing the time required for detection, signal and noise characteristics compared to classical systems. Quantum enhanced sensing could be further improved by confining a biomolecule or ensemble of molecules within a nanoscale optical cavity where in transferring quantum states between light and biomolecular entities. The attained phase noise variance reductions below the shot noise will be the basis of the present project in developing quantum sensing and imaging protocols, measurement schemes, tools and analysis intended for the advanced detection of various bioanalytes such as single cells, single biomolecules such as tiny single proteins.

Outcomes

Complete modelling and understanding of custom engineered quantum enhanced squeezed light-biomatter interaction . Squeezed state generation, calibration and advantage estimation. Comaprative classsical and nonclassical single molecule sensing and imaging. Quantum advantage verification and quantification for the detection and probing the molecular dynamics of diverse bioanalytes.

Essential capabilities

Motivated physics student with experimental capabilities and passion for interdisciplinary research, combining rigorous modelling and in-depth experiments

Desireable capabilities

Sound background in nonlinear optics and quantum optics, and computational physics. Hands on experimental experience in quantum optical experiments and measurements is highly beneficial.

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Masters degree in Physics/Engineering specialized with applied optics/photonics