Quantum-enhanced Vibrational microscopy

At a glance

Project duration
06/2026  – 11/2029
DFG classification of subject areas

Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas

Funded by

Horizon Europe: EIC Pathfinder

Project description

The Q-Vibe project brings together a consortium of academic and industrial experts in nonlinear optics, quantum technologies, crystal engineering, Fourier Transform Infrared (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 hyper-spectral 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. Q-Vibe is thus set to push the frontiers of quantum sensing and deliver transformative impact across scientific, technological, and societal domains.

Cooperation partners

  • Cooperation partner
    UniversityDenmark

    Aalborg University

  • Cooperation partner
    UniversityItaly

    Politecnico di Milano