Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Quantum Photonic Devices

Super-resolution from single photon emission: toward biological application

J. Forneris, Laura Guarina, Federico Picollo, P. Olivero, Marco Genovese, Ekaterina V. Moreva, P. Traina, Sviatoslav Ditalia Tchernij, Claudio Franchino, Ivano Ruo Berchera, G. Brida, Ivo Pietro Degiovanni, Valentina Carabelli

Published Aug 29, 2017• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Properties of quantum light represent a tool for overcoming limits of classical optics. Several experiments have demonstrated this advantage ranging from quantum enhanced imaging to quantum illumination. In this work, experimental demonstration of quantum-enhanced resolution in confocal fluorescence microscopy will be presented. This is achieved by exploiting the non-classical photon statistics of fluorescence emission of single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond. By developing a general model of super-resolution based on the direct sampling of the kth-order autocorrelation function of the photoluminescence signal, we show the possibility to resolve, in principle, arbitrarily close emitting centers. Finally, possible applications of NV-based fluorescent nanodiamonds in biosensing and future developments will be presented.

DOI
10.1117/12.2275040

Related papers

Beating the Abbe Diffraction Limit in Confocal Microscopy via Nonclassical Photon Statistics

D. Gatto Monticone, Konstantin G. Katamadze, P. Traina +7 more

We experimentally demonstrate quantum enhanced resolution in confocal fluorescence microscopy exploiting the nonclassical photon statistics of single nitrogen-vacancy color centers in diamond. By developing a general model of superresolution based on the direct sampling of the kth-order autocorrelation function of the photoluminescence signal, we show the possibility to resolve, in principle, arbitrarily close emitting centers.

arXiv:1406.3251•Physical Review Letters•Sep 30, 2014•142 citations

Breaking the diffraction limit using fluorescence quantum coherence

Wenwen Li, Zhongyang Wang

The classical optical diffraction limit can be overcome by exploiting the quantum properties of light in several theoretical studies; however, they mostly rely on an entangled light source. Recent experiments have demonstrated that quantum properties are preserved in many fluorophores, which makes it possible to add a new dimension of information for super-resolution fluorescence imaging. Here, we developed a statistical quantum coherence model for fluorescence emitters and proposed a new super-resolution method using fluorescence quantum coherence in fluorescence microscopy. In this study, by exploiting a single-photon avalanche detector (SPAD) array with a time-correlated single-photon-counting technique to perform spatial-temporal photon statistics of fluorescence coherence, the subdiffraction-limited spatial separation of emitters is obtained from the determined coherence. We numerically demonstrate an example of two-photon interference from two common fluorophores using an achievable experimental procedure. Our model provides a bridge between the macroscopic partial coherence theory and the microscopic dephasing and spectral diffusion mechanics of emitters. By fully taking advantage of the spatial-temporal fluctuations of the emitted photons as well as coherence, our quantum-enhanced imaging method has the significant potential to improve the resolution of fluorescence microscopy even when the detected signals are weak.

Optics Express•Mar 21, 2022•6 citations

Quantum image scanning microscopy: concept and considerations towards applicability

Ron Tenne, Yonatan Israel, Alexander Krupiński‐Ptaszek +5 more

Technological advancements in the creation, manipulation and detection of quantum states of light have motivated the application of such states to overcome classical limits in sensing and imaging. In particular, there has been a surge of recent interest in super-resolution imaging based on principles of quantum optics. However, the application of such schemes for practical imaging of biological samples is demanding in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, speed of acquisition and robustness with respect to sample labeling. Here, we re-introduce the concept of quantum image scanning microscopy (Q-ISM), a super-resolution method that enhances the classical image scanning microscopy (ISM) method by measuring photon correlations. Q-ISM was already utilized to achieve super-resolved images of a biological sample labeled with fluorescent nanoscrystals whose contrast is based entirely on a quantum optical phenomenon, photon antibunching. We present here an experimental demonstration of the method and discuss with further details its prospects for application in life science microscopy.

Optical and Quantum Sensing and Precision Metrology II•Mar 1, 2019•0 citations

DNA-assembled plasmonic nanodiamonds: bright and stable single-photon emitters

Ishan Barman, Swati Tanwar

Unlocking the quantum potential of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds has led to innovative advancements in sensing applications. By coupling NV centers with plasmonic nanostructures, ultrasensitive biolabels are envisioned. To this end, we exploit DNA self-assembly to create hybrid plasmonic nanodiamonds, featuring a closed nanocavity encapsulating a single nanodiamond. Correlated spectroscopy reveals enhanced brightness and emission rates, crucial for quantum sensing. This synergy between plasmonics and diamond fluorescence augments photon emission intensity and accelerates emission rates, enabling improved temporal resolution. These nanodiamonds hold promise as stable single-photon sources and versatile platforms for probing quantum effects in biology. This talk highlights the development, properties, and potential applications of these nanodiamonds, bridging quantum sensing and biomedicine, and fostering transformative changes in biophotonics.

Reporters, Markers, Dyes, Nanoparticles, and Molecular Probes for Biomedical Applications•Mar 13, 2024•0 citations

Super-resolution wide-field quantum sensing

Long‐Kun Shan, Tong-Tian Weng, Mengqi Ma +7 more

Wide-field quantum sensing and imaging with solid-state spins has attracted wide interest for its ability to detect relative physical quantities with high sensitivity at nanoscale. However, the optical diffraction limit hinders the improvement in spatial resolution. In this work, we utilize blind structured illumination microscopy to perform wide-field quantum sensing with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. Without the requirement of prior knowledge of excitation light field, the spatial resolution of NV centers imaging is enhanced by 1.8-fold in comparison with conventional microscopy. Combined with spin manipulation and detection, super-resolution NV center sensing is subsequently performed to reveal the optical and electrical properties of nanodevice. The high spatial resolution and feasibility of this work will promote the applications of quantum sensing in nanoscience.

Applied Physics Letters•Dec 9, 2024•2 citations

Quantum-sensing-based super-resolution live cell microenvironment imaging

Yuxian Lu, Yibo Yang, Ke Xu +8 more

Direct monitoring the multifaceted intracellular microenvironment is fundamental for deciphering localized cellular behavior and function. However, performing nanoscale spatiotemporal sensing of the dynamic physiochemical environment within a live cell has remained challenging, mainly limited by the lack of robust, biocompatible method which satisfies the requirements for spatiotemporal resolution, sensitivity, multi-physical sensing capability and long-term viability. Here we present a super-resolution-based quantum biosensing approach, namely Super-resolution Multi-physical field Imaging with Deconvolution, implemented in our custom-built setup which integrates nitrogen vacancy center-based quantum sensing with structured illumination microscopy. This enables quantitative, super-resolved, and long-term tracking of intracellular physical fields, featuring spatial resolution of 136 nm, temporal resolution of 150 ms, and field of view of 180×180 μm2. We further perform super-resolution multimodal imaging in a live cell, revealing the spatially heterogeneous reactive oxygen species dynamics under external stimulation. Our work enables the dynamic assessment of localized physiochemical dynamics under super-resolution quantum biosensing. This work presents a super-resolution quantum biosensing approach by integrating nitrogen vacancy (NV) center-based quantum nanodiamond sensors with structured illumination microscopy, which achieves super-resolution multi-physical imaging within live cells.

Nature Communications•Oct 10, 2026•0 citations
Properties of quantum light represent a tool for overcoming limits of classical optics. Several experiments have demonstrated this advantage ranging from quantum enhanced imaging to quantum illumination. In this work, experimental demonstration of quantum-enhanced resolution in confocal fluorescence microscopy will be presented. This is achieved by exploiting the non-classical photon statistics of fluorescence emission of single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond. By developing a general model of super-resolution based on the direct sampling of the kth-order autocorrelation function of the photoluminescence signal, we show the possibility to resolve, in principle, arbitrarily close emitting centers. Finally, possible applications of NV-based fluorescent nanodiamonds in biosensing and future developments will be presented.
The classical optical diffraction limit can be overcome by exploiting the quantum properties of light in several theoretical studies; however, they mostly rely on an entangled light source. Recent experiments have demonstrated that quantum properties are preserved in many fluorophores, which makes it possible to add a new dimension of information for super-resolution fluorescence imaging. Here, we developed a statistical quantum coherence model for fluorescence emitters and proposed a new super-resolution method using fluorescence quantum coherence in fluorescence microscopy. In this study, by exploiting a single-photon avalanche detector (SPAD) array with a time-correlated single-photon-counting technique to perform spatial-temporal photon statistics of fluorescence coherence, the subdiffraction-limited spatial separation of emitters is obtained from the determined coherence. We numerically demonstrate an example of two-photon interference from two common fluorophores using an achievable experimental procedure. Our model provides a bridge between the macroscopic partial coherence theory and the microscopic dephasing and spectral diffusion mechanics of emitters. By fully taking advantage of the spatial-temporal fluctuations of the emitted photons as well as coherence, our quantum-enhanced imaging method has the significant potential to improve the resolution of fluorescence microscopy even when the detected signals are weak.
Technological advancements in the creation, manipulation and detection of quantum states of light have motivated the application of such states to overcome classical limits in sensing and imaging. In particular, there has been a surge of recent interest in super-resolution imaging based on principles of quantum optics. However, the application of such schemes for practical imaging of biological samples is demanding in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, speed of acquisition and robustness with respect to sample labeling. Here, we re-introduce the concept of quantum image scanning microscopy (Q-ISM), a super-resolution method that enhances the classical image scanning microscopy (ISM) method by measuring photon correlations. Q-ISM was already utilized to achieve super-resolved images of a biological sample labeled with fluorescent nanoscrystals whose contrast is based entirely on a quantum optical phenomenon, photon antibunching. We present here an experimental demonstration of the method and discuss with further details its prospects for application in life science microscopy.
Unlocking the quantum potential of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds has led to innovative advancements in sensing applications. By coupling NV centers with plasmonic nanostructures, ultrasensitive biolabels are envisioned. To this end, we exploit DNA self-assembly to create hybrid plasmonic nanodiamonds, featuring a closed nanocavity encapsulating a single nanodiamond. Correlated spectroscopy reveals enhanced brightness and emission rates, crucial for quantum sensing. This synergy between plasmonics and diamond fluorescence augments photon emission intensity and accelerates emission rates, enabling improved temporal resolution. These nanodiamonds hold promise as stable single-photon sources and versatile platforms for probing quantum effects in biology. This talk highlights the development, properties, and potential applications of these nanodiamonds, bridging quantum sensing and biomedicine, and fostering transformative changes in biophotonics.
Wide-field quantum sensing and imaging with solid-state spins has attracted wide interest for its ability to detect relative physical quantities with high sensitivity at nanoscale. However, the optical diffraction limit hinders the improvement in spatial resolution. In this work, we utilize blind structured illumination microscopy to perform wide-field quantum sensing with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. Without the requirement of prior knowledge of excitation light field, the spatial resolution of NV centers imaging is enhanced by 1.8-fold in comparison with conventional microscopy. Combined with spin manipulation and detection, super-resolution NV center sensing is subsequently performed to reveal the optical and electrical properties of nanodevice. The high spatial resolution and feasibility of this work will promote the applications of quantum sensing in nanoscience.
Direct monitoring the multifaceted intracellular microenvironment is fundamental for deciphering localized cellular behavior and function. However, performing nanoscale spatiotemporal sensing of the dynamic physiochemical environment within a live cell has remained challenging, mainly limited by the lack of robust, biocompatible method which satisfies the requirements for spatiotemporal resolution, sensitivity, multi-physical sensing capability and long-term viability. Here we present a super-resolution-based quantum biosensing approach, namely Super-resolution Multi-physical field Imaging with Deconvolution, implemented in our custom-built setup which integrates nitrogen vacancy center-based quantum sensing with structured illumination microscopy. This enables quantitative, super-resolved, and long-term tracking of intracellular physical fields, featuring spatial resolution of 136 nm, temporal resolution of 150 ms, and field of view of 180×180 μm2. We further perform super-resolution multimodal imaging in a live cell, revealing the spatially heterogeneous reactive oxygen species dynamics under external stimulation. Our work enables the dynamic assessment of localized physiochemical dynamics under super-resolution quantum biosensing. This work presents a super-resolution quantum biosensing approach by integrating nitrogen vacancy (NV) center-based quantum nanodiamond sensors with structured illumination microscopy, which achieves super-resolution multi-physical imaging within live cells.