Quantum-enhanced Vibrational microscopy

The Q-Vibe project brings together a consortium of academic and industrial experts in nonlinear optics, quantum technologies, crystal engineering, FTIR microscopy, and microplastics analysis to pioneer a groundbreaking quantum vibrational microscope. This technology will enable label-free, non-destructive, and spatially resolved chemical analysis with unprecedented performance. By harnessing the quantum advantage, Q-Vibe will deliver hyperspectral maps in the fingerprint region across more than 10^5 spatial points using standard near-infrared components such as lasers, cameras, and optics. This approach will not only significantly accelerate imaging speeds compared to current infrared microscopes but also reduce their footprint and cost, making high-performance chemical imaging more accessible. In environmental applications, Q-Vibe is poised to revolutionize microplastics analysis by enabling rapid classification and quantification at high resolution. This ambitious challenge will be undertaken over 42 months by three leading academic institutions and two innovative companies, each bringing unique technical expertise.