Quantum technology, such as the quantum computers, has attracted significant attention in recent years. In nuclear medicine, powerful and highly sensitive molecular imaging modalities such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography), SPECT (Single Photon Emission CT) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provide accurate morphological and functional information. Exploiting certain aspects of quantum mechanics may bring further improvements in sensitivity, spatial resolution and enable novel capabilities in the field of biomedical imaging and sensing. In this workshop, the possibilities of biomedical applications inspired by quantum technology were discussed. The following exciting topics were covered: quantum entanglement in PET, dynamic nuclear polarization toward more sensitive MRI, quantum sensors based on the229mTh nuclear clock, plans of an advanced high-energy gamma-ray source at CERN, laser-assisted radiation detection, solid-state quantum sensors such as those based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond, quantum sensing using cascade multi photons, and a laser-based radioactive isotope analysis.
Quantum technology, such as the quantum computers, has attracted significant attention in recent years. In nuclear medicine, powerful and highly sensitive molecular imaging modalities such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography), SPECT (Single Photon Emission CT) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provide accurate morphological and functional information. Exploiting certain aspects of quantum mechanics may bring further improvements in sensitivity, spatial resolution and enable novel capabilities in the field of biomedical imaging and sensing. In this workshop, the possibilities of biomedical applications inspired by quantum technology were discussed. The following exciting topics were covered: quantum entanglement in PET, dynamic nuclear polarization toward more sensitive MRI, quantum sensors based on the229mTh nuclear clock, plans of an advanced high-energy gamma-ray source at CERN, laser-assisted radiation detection, solid-state quantum sensors such as those based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond, quantum sensing using cascade multi photons, and a laser-based radioactive isotope analysis.
Abstract This paper reviews approaches to improving imaging capabilities in nuclear medicine using quantum-inspired technologies. Positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography are established diagnostic methods in nuclear medicine and are extremely useful for detecting early stage cancers and other diseases through the detection of small numbers of molecules using sub-MeV gamma rays; however, the principles of these modalities have not changed for more than five decades. Recently, quantum technologies have attracted significant attention, particularly quantum sensors and quantum entanglement in the optical-photon regime. In this review, we introduce emerging efforts that utilize quantum-inspired technologies, such as electron spin, nuclear spin and quantum entanglement in the MeV photon (gamma ray) regime. Quantum-enhanced imaging in nuclear medicine may directly contribute to improvements in diagnostic capability and patients’ quality of life.
Over the past few decades, medical imaging has revolutionized the way clinicians diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases. However, despite significant advancements in imaging resolution, contrast, and computational reconstruction, several challenges remain unresolved — especially in terms of early-stage detection, noise reduction, and functional imaging at the cellular or molecular level. In recent years, quantum physics has emerged as a disruptive force with the potential to drastically enhance medical imaging technologies through the application of its fundamental principles such as quantum superposition, entanglement, tunneling, and spin dynamics. This research explores the intersection of quantum mechanics and medical imaging engineering, with a primary focus on how quantum phenomena are being utilized to elevate the performance and capability of key imaging modalities like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and optical-based quantum imaging. The study presents an in-depth analysis of how quantum concepts are applied in practice — such as the role of spin alignment and magnetic resonance in MRI, the use of entangled photon pairs in PET scanning, and the integration of quantum dots in high-contrast optical imaging. Beyond existing technologies, the paper investigates cutting-edge developments including quantum-enhanced sensors, quantum computing for real-time image reconstruction, and the promise of quantum artificial intelligence in image interpretation. By analyzing both theoretical frameworks and experimental findings, the study highlights the significant advantages that quantum technologies bring — such as improved spatial resolution, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and reduced patient exposure to radiation. Despite its promise, the integration of quantum physics into medical imaging is not without challenges. The research discusses limitations such as system decoherence, scalability, clinical costs, and the gap between laboratory research and clinical deployment. In conclusion, this paper argues that while still emerging, the application of quantum physics holds transformative potential for the future of diagnostic imaging, and could ultimately lead to more accurate, efficient, and personalized healthcare.
Quantum sensors are finding their way from laboratories to the real world, as witnessed by the increasing number of start-ups in this field. The atomic length scale of quantum sensors and their coherence properties enable unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity. Biomedical applications could benefit from these quantum technologies, but it is often difficult to evaluate the potential impact of the techniques. This Review sheds light on these questions, presenting the status of quantum sensing applications and discussing their path towards commercialization. The focus is on two promising quantum sensing platforms: optically pumped atomic magnetometers, and nitrogen–vacancy centres in diamond. The broad spectrum of biomedical applications is highlighted by four case studies ranging from brain imaging to single-cell spectroscopy. Quantum sensors enable new possibilities in biomedical applications due to their high sensitivity. In this Review, the status of quantum sensing is presented, and the path towards real-world applications on the molecular, cellular and organism scale is evaluated.
Quantum sensing aims to detect signals with unparalleled sensitivity, potentially surpassing classical limitations. Solid-state spin defects, particularly nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, have emerged as promising platforms due to their long coherence time, optical addressability, high field sensitivity, and spatial and spectral resolution, making them ideal for sensing and imaging applications. Their compact size and robust performance under room temperature and ambient conditions further enhance their suitability for real-world applications. We provide an overview of quantum sensing principles and explore efforts to improve sensor functionality, including advanced sensing protocols, spatial imaging techniques, and integration with optical systems to enhance detection efficiency. We also highlight recent progress in the applications of these sensors across various use cases, including biomedical diagnostics, semiconductor device inspection, and industrial and military applications.
Quantum metrology provides a route to overcome practical limits in sensing devices. It holds particular relevance to biology, where sensitivity and resolution constraints restrict applications both in fundamental biophysics and in medicine. Here, we review quantum metrology from this biological context, focusing on optical techniques due to their particular relevance for biological imaging, sensing, and stimulation. Our understanding of quantum mechanics has already enabled important applications in biology, including positron emission tomography (PET) with entangled photons, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using nuclear magnetic resonance, and bio-magnetic imaging with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). In quantum metrology an even greater range of applications arise from the ability to not just understand, but to engineer, coherence and correlations at the quantum level. In the past few years, quite dramatic progress has been seen in applying these ideas into biological systems. Capabilities that have been demonstrated include enhanced sensitivity and resolution, immunity to imaging artifacts and technical noise, and characterization of the biological response to light at the single-photon level. New quantum measurement techniques offer even greater promise, raising the prospect for improved multi-photon microscopy and magnetic imaging, among many other possible applications. Realization of this potential will require cross-disciplinary input from researchers in both biology and quantum physics. In this review we seek to communicate the developments of quantum metrology in a way that is accessible to biologists and biophysicists, while providing sufficient detail to allow the interested reader to obtain a solid understanding of the field. We further seek to introduce quantum physicists to some of the central challenges of optical measurements in biological science.
Medical imaging, a cornerstone of modern diagnostics that underpins early disease detection and personalized therapy, continues to confront fundamental physical limitations inherent to conventional modalities, including suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, limited resolution, and ionizing radiation risks. Quantum imaging, leveraging principles such as entanglement, superposition, and quantum sensing, has emerged as a transformative paradigm with the potential to transcend these limitations. This review systematically summarizes the physical principles, technological advancements, and major clinical applications of quantum technologies in medical imaging. We elaborate on several cutting-edge modalities, including quantum dot probes for targeted imaging and surgical navigation, wearable magnetoencephalography facilitated by optically pumped magnetometers, quantum-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with nanoscale resolution, quantum optical coherence tomography with dispersion cancellation, photon-counting computed tomography for superior spectral imaging, and nuclear medicine imaging that can visualize the molecular microenvironment. Additionally, the roles of quantum computing and quantum artificial intelligence in accelerating and optimizing the image analysis workflow are also discussed. Furthermore, we analyze the technical bottlenecks and translational barriers that currently hinder the widespread clinical implementation of these emerging technologies. Finally, we outline promising future research directions to accelerate clinical translation, underscoring the transformative potential of quantum medical imaging to advance precision diagnostics and personalized medicine.