In the new Quantum‐Enhanced Early Diagnostics project (QEED), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the program quantum technologies – from basic research to market, ten partners from research and industry combine their expertise in this novel approach to quickly detect and fight cancer. Scientists from the Berlin-based Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) will realize the required high-power diode laser sources emitting at 1170 nm and 720 nm in a Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) configuration. The MOPAs will then be integrated into an inhouse developed novel technology platform. These quantum light modules will finally be assembled jointly with components from the project partners by FBH’s Prototype Engineering Lab into the QEED system.
The project aims to transfer measurement information from the clinically relevant mid‐infrared (MIR) to the well‐detectable near‐infrared (NIR) spectral range by developing a novel spectrally resolved imaging technique relying on entangled photon pairs. Based on quantum sensor technology, the QEED microscopy method will enable label‐free examination of tissue samples and is expected to reduce the measurement time for a 10‐megapixel image to just two minutes. Simple preparation combined with fast measurement enables high sample throughput and thus, for the first time, integration into clinical workflows. Patients will benefit from this development, as biopsy samples will be able to be diagnosed more quickly and reliably in the future. In addition, this approach will help to minimize the proportion of false‐negative and false‐positive results, which according to Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum are associated with high levels of psychological distress, and thus increase the willingness of patients to take advantage of screening.
On the basis of innovative ultra‐bright photon pair sources and their adapted measurement and analysis, different demonstrators are planned – for scientific (biomedical) research and with an integrated fluorescence unit for automated pathology in clinical routine. In addition, all novel modules for the QEED system will be further developed as independent components to create stand‐alone products.
COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik
