Quantum Optical Techniques for Biomedical Imaging

TL;DR

Quantum optical techniques leverage nonclassical light properties to significantly improve biomedical imaging, offering higher resolution, better sensitivity, and safer procedures, with ongoing efforts to translate these methods into practical medical tools.

Contribution

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of quantum optical biomedical imaging technologies and quantum-inspired methods, highlighting their principles, applications, advantages, and challenges.

Findings

Quantum imaging techniques can surpass classical limits in resolution and sensitivity.

Quantum methods reduce radiation dose in biomedical imaging.

Several quantum imaging approaches are close to clinical translation.

Abstract

Quantum imaging is emerging as a transformative approach for biomedical applications, applying nonclassical properties of light, such as entanglement, squeezing, and quantum correlations, to overcome fundamental limits of conventional techniques. These methods promise superior spatial resolution, enhanced signal-to-noise ratios, improved phase sensitivity, and reduced radiation dose, for potentially safer and more precise imaging for delicate biological samples. Here, we present an overview of quantum optical biomedical imaging technologies as well as quantum-inspired imaging methods, including quantum optical coherence tomography, quantum optical microscopy, ghost imaging, multi-parameter quantum imaging, and imaging with quantum-grade cameras. We describe the operating principles, biomedical applications, and unique advantages of each approach, along with the specific challenges for their translation into real-life practice. This review aims to guide future research toward advancing quantum imaging from experimental demonstrations to impactful biomedical tools.