Portable Quantum Sensors for Neurosurgery

Project Information

PoQus

Grant agreement ID: 101189824

DOI

10.3030/101189824

EC signature date 4 November 2024

Start date 1 November 2024

End date 31 October 2028

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 6 151 353,75

EU contribution

€ 4 986 528,75

Coordinated by

SINGLE QUANTUM BV
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PoQus (Portable Quantum Sensors for Neurosurgery)

Reporting period: 2024-11-01 to 2025-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Modern medical diagnostics heavily rely on optical measurements, especially for real-time analysis of deep tissue, crucial for tasks like post-cancer surgery monitoring where cancer recurrence is a risk due to leftover malignant cells. Current image-guided surgery techniques face limitations in resolution and real-time imaging, posing challenges for completely excising tumors while preserving healthy tissue. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy offers superior depth resolution by measuring the time a fluorophore spends in the excited state before emitting a photon. This technique minimizes errors from environmental factors and photon scattering in tissue but suffers from limited penetration depth. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) present a solution due to their high performance in longer wavelengths, enabling greater penetration depth. However, current detector modules containing SNSPDs require substantial electrical power for cooling and are bulky, making them unsuitable for clinical settings. The aim is to develop a portable quantum sensor based on SNSPDs, integrated into a time-resolved fluorescence imaging microscope for use in operating rooms. The prototype will feature a compact and energy-efficient cryogenic system for cooling, optimized detectors for efficiency and speed, and software for image analysis. Made of EU components, the system aims for medical-grade quality, enabling real-time analysis of tumor and healthy tissues during surgery, ultimately improving patient outcomes

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the reporting period we achieved results regarding the portable quantum sensor: we have an integrated electronics module that will allow the next steps making a compact SNSPD system.
We also established the foundations for the next steps in the project by evaluating the technology we will use for the microscope we are developing. This is a step forward in the process of reaching a fluorescence lifetime microscope that will improve image-guided surgery.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

No results yet.

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