PoQus - Portable Quantum Sensors for Neurosurgery

Objective

Modern medical diagnostics rely heavily on optical measurements, particularly for real-time analysis of deep tissue, which is crucial for applications such as post-cancer surgery monitoring, where the risk of recurrence remains due to residual malignant cells. Current image-guided surgery techniques are limited by resolution and real-time imaging constraints, making it challenging to fully excise tumours while preserving healthy tissue.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy offers superior depth resolution by measuring the duration a fluorophore remains in the excited state before emitting a photon. This technique reduces errors caused by environmental factors and photon scattering in tissue; however, it is limited by penetration depth. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) offer a solution due to their high performance at longer wavelengths, allowing for greater penetration depth. However, existing SNSPDs require substantial cooling and are bulky, making them unsuitable for clinical environments.

The objective is to develop a portable quantum sensor based on SNSPDs, integrated into a time-resolved fluorescence imaging microscope for use in operating theatres. The prototype will incorporate a compact cryogenic system for cooling, optimised detectors for efficiency and speed, and software for image analysis. Composed of EU-manufactured components, the system aims to meet medical-grade standards, enabling real-time analysis of tumour and healthy tissues during surgery, ultimately improving patient outcomes.