Quantum technology revolutionizes biomedical diagnostics through novel entangled holography

For the first time, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding a groundbreaking project on the use of entangled photons for biomedical 3D imaging and holography with a total volume of around 800,000 euros. The joint project "3D quantum imaging with non-detected light and wavefront control", which is being carried out in close cooperation between TU Dresden and TU Darmstadt, marks a significant step in the application of second-generation quantum technology. The project is led by Prof. Markus Graefe (TU Darmstadt) as well as Prof. Juergen Czarske and Dr. Lars Büttner from the BIOLAS Competence Center (TU Dresden). The project will start on January 1, 2025 and run for 3 years.

The project focuses on the development and application of quantum imaging techniques based on spatially correlated photons. This makes it possible to spectrally separate light sources of the illuminating and detected light, which introduces a paradigm shift in biomedical diagnostics. In particular, new methods for the examination of carcinogenic tissue are to be developed that enable marker-free, chemically selective and gentle 3D imaging and thus offer a promising alternative to traditional fluorescence labeling. By matching the illumination light to the absorption lines of certain biomolecules in the infrared spectral range, a natural contrast is created that makes the molecular structure of tissues and cells more visible, but correlated "partner light" in the visible spectral range is detected on a camera.

The physical background of this research goes back to the work of Nobel Prize winner Prof. Anton Zeilinger, among others. The researchers at TU Dresden and TU Darmstadt are pursuing the vision of using entangled photons and the principle of "spooky action at a distance" to transfer image information from the illuminating light (infrared) to the detected light (visible). The envisaged 3D image reconstruction is also a novelty. These innovative approaches could mean significant progress in cancer diagnostics and at the same time sustainably expand the fundamentals of 2nd generation quantum technology.

The project opens up new possibilities for enriching established imaging methods in the life sciences with entangled photons and enabling a more gentle and at the same time more precise diagnosis of cancer.

Contact:

Prof. Jürgen Czarske
TU Dresden
Chair of Measurement and Sensor System Technique
Phone: +49 (351) 463-34803
E-mail: juergen.czarske@tu-dresden.de