Quantum Imaging

Modern healthcare has been transformed by technology; from X-rays and MRI to cancer screening and personal monitoring. The healthcare of tomorrow needs to further advance these existing technologies while providing new imaging systems for health and life science.

Researchers are developing new optical cameras that could replace modern-day MRI and endoscopy equipment, including the creation of endoscopes the width of a human hair.

In the field of microscopy we are looking at cameras that can detect subtle differences in tissue and other biological materials advancing tumor detection. More speculative work is seeking to detect single photons at a range of different wavelengths, allowing the efficacy of certain optical cancer treatments to be optimised with minimal side effects.

Researchers are developing intelligent transport systems which combine sensing and imaging with advanced information and communication technology to improve the safety, efficiency, and security of transport infrastructure, whilst reducing its impact on the environment.

Part of these new systems are cameras which can track objects around corners and 3D imaging technology capable of providing images through hard-to-see environments such as heavy rain, snow or fog. These technologies can contribute to advanced traffic management systems, which integrate traffic data, cameras and speed sensors to improve traffic flow and incident detection.

Researchers are also developing cameras and sensors targeted at increasing the safety of our transport infrastructure. Intelligent sensing and imaging systems can deliver improved scanning of goods in logistic operations, intelligent crowd monitoring and management at transport hubs, remote scanning of temperature for passengers, stand-off identification of dangerous substances as well as monitoring of emission levels at junctions and in cities.

Researchers have developed a range of imaging solutions that address major areas of climate impact. These include seeing gas emissions such as methane and hydrogen, structural health monitoring within challenging environments, and enabling better product longevity for renewable energy sources.

Reducing methane leaks in the atmosphere is one of the fastest ways to prevent climate change. With a warming effect of nearly 80 times that of carbon dioxide, methane, commonly referred to as natural gas, is the second greatest greenhouse gas contributor to climate change.

Methane is vital to several processes across society, including the production of Hydrogen, a key ingredient in achieving net zero. To continue using methane safely, monitoring for leaks is essential.

Methane gas, invisible to the human eye, is detectable using specially designed infrared cameras, where sensors are extremely expensive and have a limited supply. Research teams, in partnership with industry, have developed several detectors based on quantum science to extend our accessibility and sensitivity to non-visible wavelengths of infrared and ultraviolet. By providing society with the tools to measure our greenhouse gas emissions, we can identify and immediately resolve the greatest contributors to climate change, today.

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