Periodic Reporting for period 1 - QlibriNANO (The world’s most sensitive absorption microscope)
Période du rapport: 2024-07-01 au 2025-06-30
Qlibri is developing QlibriNANO, the world’s most sensitive absorption microscope—a breakthrough tool that makes it possible to see and study materials at the tiniest scales, down to individual nanoparticles. This kind of precision opens up entirely new ways to explore and understand the building blocks of materials, with potential impacts across nanotechnology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
Today’s microscopes often rely on glowing (fluorescent) dyes or powerful lasers to detect tiny objects. But these methods can be incomplete, expensive, or even damage the samples. QlibriNANO takes a different approach: instead of detecting light given off by a sample, it detects the light absorbed—something all materials naturally do. The challenge is that the absorption of a single nanoparticle is extremely small—until now, it was almost impossible to measure.
QlibriNANO solves this by using a special structure from quantum physics called a Fabry-Pérot resonator—a tiny cavity made of two ultra-reflective mirrors, where light bounces back and forth thousands of times. This dramatically increases the interaction between light and matter, making it possible to detect even the faintest signals. Qlibri has miniaturized this complex technology and built it into a fast, user-friendly microscope.
Through the QlibriNANO project, the team is working to:
• Test how well the microscope fits the needs of various industries like nanotechnology and optical coatings to find the application with the best product market fit
• Improve the speed, usability, and reliability of the system,
• Ensure it can be produced efficiently and affordably at scale.
By combining cutting-edge science with practical engineering, QlibriNANO brings a new level of visibility into the nanoworld—helping researchers and innovators develop the materials and technologies of the future.
Today’s microscopes often rely on glowing (fluorescent) dyes or powerful lasers to detect tiny objects. But these methods can be incomplete, expensive, or even damage the samples. QlibriNANO takes a different approach: instead of detecting light given off by a sample, it detects the light absorbed—something all materials naturally do. The challenge is that the absorption of a single nanoparticle is extremely small—until now, it was almost impossible to measure.
QlibriNANO solves this by using a special structure from quantum physics called a Fabry-Pérot resonator—a tiny cavity made of two ultra-reflective mirrors, where light bounces back and forth thousands of times. This dramatically increases the interaction between light and matter, making it possible to detect even the faintest signals. Qlibri has miniaturized this complex technology and built it into a fast, user-friendly microscope.
Through the QlibriNANO project, the team is working to:
• Test how well the microscope fits the needs of various industries like nanotechnology and optical coatings to find the application with the best product market fit
• Improve the speed, usability, and reliability of the system,
• Ensure it can be produced efficiently and affordably at scale.
By combining cutting-edge science with practical engineering, QlibriNANO brings a new level of visibility into the nanoworld—helping researchers and innovators develop the materials and technologies of the future.
The QlibriNANO project is developing a revolutionary new microscope that allows us to see and analyze materials at the tiniest scales—down to individual nanoparticles. Unlike traditional microscopes, QlibriNANO uses light absorption to reveal detailed information about a material’s structure and composition, even when no special dyes or treatments are used.
Here’s what has been achieved so far:
• Ultra-fast measurements: The team developed a new way to capture detailed color data (spectra) from a single point in just 0.15 seconds—over ten times faster than the original target. This means scientists can now monitor tiny changes in materials in real time, which is especially useful in research and development.
• Advanced imaging capabilities: We developed a technique to distinguish different types of light-matter interaction (absorption versus scattering) which enhances the application areas of our microscope even more, especially regarding quality control.
• Smarter design for better usability: The microscope was redesigned to make it easier to use and more versatile. Key improvements include:
o A more practical top-down setup for easier sample access,
o A new positioning system that’s faster and more precise,
o Better mechanical stability for clearer images,
o Improved software for smoother operation and real-time data analysis.
• Successful prototype testing: Early versions of the microscope have been built and will be tested by two selected users—one from academic research and one from industry. Their feedback is helping to fine-tune the system so it meets real-world needs. The feasibility of the specific use cases has already been demonstrated via in-house measurements.
Thanks to these achievements, QlibriNANO is well on its way to becoming a powerful new tool for scientists and engineers working with advanced materials, nanotechnology, and life sciences.
Here’s what has been achieved so far:
• Ultra-fast measurements: The team developed a new way to capture detailed color data (spectra) from a single point in just 0.15 seconds—over ten times faster than the original target. This means scientists can now monitor tiny changes in materials in real time, which is especially useful in research and development.
• Advanced imaging capabilities: We developed a technique to distinguish different types of light-matter interaction (absorption versus scattering) which enhances the application areas of our microscope even more, especially regarding quality control.
• Smarter design for better usability: The microscope was redesigned to make it easier to use and more versatile. Key improvements include:
o A more practical top-down setup for easier sample access,
o A new positioning system that’s faster and more precise,
o Better mechanical stability for clearer images,
o Improved software for smoother operation and real-time data analysis.
• Successful prototype testing: Early versions of the microscope have been built and will be tested by two selected users—one from academic research and one from industry. Their feedback is helping to fine-tune the system so it meets real-world needs. The feasibility of the specific use cases has already been demonstrated via in-house measurements.
Thanks to these achievements, QlibriNANO is well on its way to becoming a powerful new tool for scientists and engineers working with advanced materials, nanotechnology, and life sciences.
QlibriNANO has developed a new class of absorption microscope that enables highly sensitive, label-free imaging and spectroscopy at the nanoscale—surpassing the limitations of conventional microscopy.
Key achievements include:
• Ultra-fast spectroscopy: A novel method using a white-light laser allows high-resolution spectra to be acquired in just 150 ms—over 10× faster than state-of-the-art solutions—enabling real-time chemical analysis.
• Nanoscale hyperspectral imaging: The system combines spectral sensitivity with spatial resolution, allowing users to image and identify material composition at the nanoscale without damaging or modifying the sample.
• Enhanced usability and robustness: A redesigned top-down setup improves handling and compatibility with liquid samples. Mechanical stability, noise performance, and software usability were significantly improved including real-time calibration.
• Prototype testing with end users: Systems were evaluated by both academic and industrial partners, confirming relevance for high-throughput spectroscopy and defect analysis in optical coatings and advanced materials.
Future Needs
To ensure successful uptake, the following steps are required:
• Further validation with industrial users,
• Finalization of IP protection
• Creation of high-visibility use cases to prepare for market entry
• Scaling up manufacturing, especially for key components (e.g. micro-mirrors),
• Alignment with regulatory and industry standards.
QlibriNANO has demonstrated clear potential to become a transformative tool in nanotechnology, materials science, and precision manufacturing.
Key achievements include:
• Ultra-fast spectroscopy: A novel method using a white-light laser allows high-resolution spectra to be acquired in just 150 ms—over 10× faster than state-of-the-art solutions—enabling real-time chemical analysis.
• Nanoscale hyperspectral imaging: The system combines spectral sensitivity with spatial resolution, allowing users to image and identify material composition at the nanoscale without damaging or modifying the sample.
• Enhanced usability and robustness: A redesigned top-down setup improves handling and compatibility with liquid samples. Mechanical stability, noise performance, and software usability were significantly improved including real-time calibration.
• Prototype testing with end users: Systems were evaluated by both academic and industrial partners, confirming relevance for high-throughput spectroscopy and defect analysis in optical coatings and advanced materials.
Future Needs
To ensure successful uptake, the following steps are required:
• Further validation with industrial users,
• Finalization of IP protection
• Creation of high-visibility use cases to prepare for market entry
• Scaling up manufacturing, especially for key components (e.g. micro-mirrors),
• Alignment with regulatory and industry standards.
QlibriNANO has demonstrated clear potential to become a transformative tool in nanotechnology, materials science, and precision manufacturing.