Jun 09, 2021 |
Researchers create quantum microscope that can see the impossible
(Nanowerk News) In a major scientific leap, University of Queensland researchers have created a quantum microscope that can reveal biological structures that would otherwise be impossible to see (Nature, "Quantum-enhanced nonlinear microscopy").
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This paves the way for applications in biotechnology, and could extend far beyond this into areas ranging from navigation to medical imaging.
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The microscope is powered by the science of quantum entanglement, an effect Einstein described as "spooky interactions at a distance".
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Professor Warwick Bowen, from UQ's Quantum Optics Lab and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), said it was the first entanglement-based sensor with performance beyond the best possible existing technology.
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"This breakthrough will spark all sorts of new technologies - from better navigation systems to better MRI machines, you name it," Professor Bowen said.
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"Entanglement is thought to lie at the heart of a quantum revolution.
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"We've finally demonstrated that sensors that use it can supersede existing, non-quantum technology.
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"This is exciting - it's the first proof of the paradigm-changing potential of entanglement for sensing."
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Artist's impression of UQ's new quantum microscope in action. (Image: The University of Queensland)
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Australia's Quantum Technologies Roadmap sees quantum sensors spurring a new wave of technological innovation in healthcare, engineering, transport and resources.
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A major success of the team's quantum microscope was its ability to catapult over a 'hard barrier' in traditional light-based microscopy.
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UQ team researchers (counter-clockwise from bottom-left) Caxtere Casacio, Warwick Bowen, Lars Madsen and Waleed Muhammad aligning the quantum microscope.
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"The best light microscopes use bright lasers that are billions of times brighter than the sun," Professor Bowen said.
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"Fragile biological systems like a human cell can only survive a short time in them and this is a major roadblock.
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"The quantum entanglement in our microscope provides 35 per cent improved clarity without destroying the cell, allowing us to see minute biological structures that would otherwise be invisible.
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"The benefits are obvious - from a better understanding of living systems, to improved diagnostic technologies."
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Professor Bowen said there were potentially boundless opportunities for quantum entanglement in technology.
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"Entanglement is set to revolutionise computing, communication and sensing," he said.
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"Absolutely secure communication was demonstrated some decades ago as the first demonstration of absolute quantum advantage over conventional technologies.
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"Computing faster than any possible conventional computer was demonstrated by Google two years ago, as the first demonstration of absolute advantage in computing.
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"The last piece in the puzzle was sensing, and we've now closed that gap.
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"This opens the door for some wide-ranging technological revolutions."
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