The tools for exceeding the classical limits and accessing new information are the same: quantum coherence and correlations. Coherent quantum systems enable interferometric measurements at the nanoscale, while quantum correlations permit exquisite control over multiple interactions by changing the probabilities.
Up to this point, we have imposed a sort of hierarchy looking at organisms, tissue, cells, and molecules, and we have probed subsystems within this hierarchy…but again and again, we are surprised when these subsystems couple in important, unforeseen ways. Correlative probes using quantum light and electrons provide a new paradigm where these observations of coupling and correlation are natural and easily observed because biology is not constrained by the particular hierarchy that we must impose to break the system down into chemical or biological subunits.
Biology and quantum science are convergent fields. NSF QuBBE will dramatically accelerate this convergence by driving use-inspired development of quantum sensing modalities and novel correlative imaging approaches. Fundamental basics science in both biology and quantum will work in tandem to create transferrable technology platforms for novel biological measurements. NSF QuBBE will further develop the next generation of scientists and workers familiar with this technology, inspire young students to pursue STEM education, and foster an understanding of quantum science in the next generation.
The NSF QuBBE QLCI has officially launched! Here is the NSF announcement. and here is an article from UChicago News on NSF QuBBE
The NSF QuBBE QLCI has been funded and will launch on September 2, 2021.
Greg Engel, Valerie Goss, Allison Squires and Peter Maurer participated in the NSF virtual reverse site visit exploring the details of NSF QuBBE.
The team has submitted a proposal (>500 pages) detailing our vision for science, workforce development, and outreach focused on opportunities for emerging quantum science to attack grand challenges in biology and medicine.
The team coalesced around a shared vision for the QuBBE Challenge Institute: We see an opportunity for quanutm sensing to reovlutionize biological understanding.