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H2020Doctoral network2019–2023

MUSIQ · Multiphoton Microscopy and Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Imaging meets Quantum

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2019-04-01 → 2023-09-30
EU contribution
€4,034,447
Participants
16
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Multiphoton Microscopy and Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Imaging meets Quantum

In the quest to decipher the chain of life, from molecules to cells, the biophysical questions being asked increasingly demand techniques that can identify specific biomolecules in their native environment, at the smallest possible scale, and can measure biomolecular interactions quantitatively without perturbing the system under observation. Laser-based optical microscopy is a key technology to drive this progress. However, many challenges remain around issues such as label-free biomolecular specificity and single molecule sensitivity. New opportunities toward achieving biomolecular specificity at very high temporal resolution have been brought by the development of techniques which address the importance of quantum coherences, with the potential to unravel the fundamental machinery of Nature. Yet, measuring quantum phenomena with an optical microscope is technically challenging, and far from real-world biological applications. MUSIQ has been designed as an innovative network and recruited 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) to work towards the central ambitious goal of developing the next-generation optical microscopy exploiting quantum coherent nonlinear phenomena. The network has brought together 7 world-leading academic institutions and 5 high tech companies at the forefront of optical microscopy and ultrafast laser technology developments merged with fundamental understanding of coherent light-matter interaction phenomena, development of quantitative image analysis tools, and biomedical/pharmaceutical real-world applications. MUSIQ has delivered 3 scientific and 2 training objectives: O1: Investigate nonlinear optical phenomena originating from the intrinsic response of natural biomolecules, to achieve label-free imaging. O2: Combine nonlinear imaging with ultrafast spectroscopy to increase specificity and unravel quantum coherences in biomolecules. O3: Achieve single molecule detection and super-resolution in coherent nonlinear imaging via the enhancement of the light field in the vicinity of plasmonic nanostructures. T1: Form the next generation of innovative, highly skilled, well-connected scientists by implementing a multidisciplinary intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/life sciences interface and creating a modern professional profile which is currently highly in demand by both academia and high-tech industries. T2: Enhance the career perspective of the ESRs by training them in a broad range of cutting-edge scientific, technical and transferable skills, through a unique combination of projects, secondments, and tailored courses.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

In the quest to decipher the chain of life from molecules to cells, the biophysical questions being asked increasingly demand techniques that are capable of identifying specific biomolecules in their native environment at the smallest possible scale, and measuring their interactions quantitatively without perturbing the system under observation. Laser-based optical microscopy is a key technology to drive this progress in the 21st century. Still, many challenges remain in particular toward i) achieving imaging with biomolecular specificity without the artefacts from sample staining, ii) quantitative imaging, and iii) single molecule sensitivity. Progress toward biomolecular specificity at very high temporal resolution has been brought by the development of ultrafast two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, able to address the importance of quantum coherences with the potential to unravel the fundamental machinery of Nature. Yet, measuring quantum phenomena with an optical microscope is technically challenging, and far from real-world biological applications. MUSIQ is designed as an innovative research and training network, where we will recruit 15 Early Stage Researchers to work toward the central ambitious goal of developing the next-generation optical microscopy exploiting quantum coherent nonlinear phenomena. The network brings together a unique team of 7 world-leading academics and 6 high tech companies at the forefront of optical microscopy and ultrafast laser technology developments merged with fundamental understanding of coherent light-matter interaction phenomena, development of quantitative image analysis tools, and biomedical/pharmaceutical real-world applications. MUSIQ will establish an intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/life science interface with partners from 9 European countries, aimed at creating the next generation of skilled well-connected scientists that will pioneer the ‘quantum microscopes of tomorrow’.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • CARDIFF UNIVERSITY · CARDIFFCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
  • ACCELOPMENT SCHWEIZ AG · ZurichSwitzerland
  • APE ANGEWANDTE PHYSIK UND ELEKTRONIK GMBH · BerlinGermany
  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisFrance
  • FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTONIQUES · CastelldefelsSpain
  • GLAXOSMITHKLINE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LIMITED · LONDONUnited Kingdom
  • HERTZ BRIGITTE · AmstelveenNetherlands
  • LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH · WetzlarGermany
  • LIGHT CONVERSION, UAB · VILNIUSLithuania
  • POLITECNICO DI MILANO · MilanoItaly
  • SCIENCE MADE SIMPLE LIMITED · CardiffUnited Kingdom
  • Scientific Volume Imaging BV · HilversumNetherlands
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MODENA E REGGIO EMILIA · ModenaItaly
  • UNIVERSITAT KONSTANZ · KonstanzGermany
  • UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG · ESCH-SUR-ALZETTELuxembourg
  • VENTEON Laser Technologies GmbH · HannoverGermany

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union