A revolutionary approach to molecular identification
A research team from Kyoto University has significantly advanced infrared spectroscopy technology by integrating a quantum light source, overcoming previous limitations of FTIR devices in terms of sensitivity and size. This advance enables the creation of compact, efficient scanners that can accurately recognize a wide range of materials, setting a new standard for high-performance portable devices in various fields, including environmental monitoring, medicine and security. Source: Kyoto Yu/Shigeki Takeuchi
Kyoto University developed quantitative infrared spectroscopy with a wider frequency range.
Our understanding of the world depends largely on our understanding of its constituent materials and how they interact. Recent advances in materials science have greatly improved our ability to detect chemicals and expanded their potential uses.
One of these techniques is Infrared spectrometerIt is used for molecular identification in various fields, such as medicine, environmental monitoring and industrial production. However, even the best tools available — Fourier transform infrared spectrometer or Fourier – The heating element is used as a light source. The resulting detector noise in the infrared region limits the sensitivity of the devices, while the physical properties hinder miniaturization.
Quantitative innovation in spectroscopy
Now, a research team led by Kyoto University has solved this problem by integrating a quantum light source. The innovative ultra-wideband quantum entanglement source generates a relatively wider range of infrared photons with wavelengths between 2 µm and 5 µm.
“This achievement paves the way for a significant reduction in system size and improved sensitivity of infrared spectroscopy,” says Shigeki Takeuchi of the Department of Electronic Science and Engineering.
Another in-room problem with FTIR instruments is the burden of transporting the giant, power-hungry equipment to different locations to test materials on-site. Takeuchi envisions a future in which the compact, high-performance battery-powered scanners created by his team will lead to user-friendly applications in fields as diverse as environmental monitoring, medicine and security.
“We can obtain spectra for various target samples, including solid solids, plastics and organic solutions. Shimadzu – our partner who developed the quantum light device – realized that broadband measurement spectra were very convincing in distinguishing materials from a wide range of Samples.
Quantum mechanics and broadband applications
Although entangled quantum light is not new, its bandwidth has so far been limited to a narrow band of 1 micrometer or less in the infrared region. This new technology, in turn, uses the unique properties of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to overcome the limitations of traditional techniques.
The team developed independently Peep semi phase matching device Quantum entangled light is generated by exploitation singing – Gradually change the value of the item Polarization reversal period – To generate quantum Photon Pairs widely.
“Improving the sensitivity of quantum infrared spectroscopy and developing quantum imaging in the infrared region are part of our quest to develop true quantum technologies,” says Takeuchi.
The study was funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology MEXT Q-LEAP, Basic Research of Evolutionary Science and Technology, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, and the Strategic Expansion Program for Public/Private Investments in Research and Development. Leading Research in Embryonic Science and Technology and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
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