Quantum microscopy

Cameras for healthcare applications

Many organic and inorganic compounds are more easily detected in the infrared wavelength range, however detectors and light sources in the visible range benefit from far better-development technology. Here, we take advantage of visible technologies while imaging in the infrared, utilising the best characteristics of both wavelengths.

To achieve this, Hub researchers create pairs of visible and infrared photons using a nonlinear crystal, a cheap and compact quantum solution that can be retrofitted to many existing products.

Quantum entanglement lets the visible photon ‘know’ where its infrared twin has interacted with the object. End users can reduce their equipment costs by requiring only conventional silicon cameras, whilst at the same time being able to access the rich chemical information available from infrared measurements.

Our research continues to develop systems to reach longer infrared wavelengths, and higher efficiency creation of invisible and infrared light. Working with Digistain, we hope to commercialise this technology for application in cancer detection.