I-Corps: Translation Potential of Quantum-based Biomedical Sensing Technology

This I-Corps project is based on the development of quantum technology for biomedical sensing. Current methods for detecting biomedical signals, particularly the weak signals generated by nerves and muscles, often require invasive procedures such as fine-wire electrodes or needles, or lack the sensitivity needed for accurate, non-invasive measurements. Quantum sensing (QS) is an emerging, non-invasive technology that uses the quantum states of atoms, ions, photons, and other particles to detect signals that current sensors are not able to detect. However, quantum sensing systems are often complex, expensive, and bulky, limiting their accessibility and adoption. This technology combines simplified hardware architecture with advanced signal-processing algorithms, to reduce the system size, complexity, and cost while maintaining high sensitivity, making it suitable for a wide range of biomedical signal detection applications. This may help improve the understanding of human physiology, enable earlier and more accurate disease diagnosis, and create new opportunities in areas such as advanced prosthetics, monitoring medical conditions, and human-machine interfaces. This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of a compact, single-channel quantum-based optically pumped magnetometer system for detecting a broad range of biomedical signals, including those from the brain, heart, and peripheral nerves. Current quantum sensing technologies for biomedical applications face three key challenges, including detecting weak signals in noisy environments, minimizing interference from nearby tissues and organs, and reducing the complexity and cost of system development. This technology addresses these challenges by combining simplified hardware architecture with advanced signal-processing algorithms. Incorporating optically pumped magnetometer technology allows the system to achieve a magnetic field sensitivity that enables highly precise, non-invasive biomedical signal detection. In addition, the sensing system is designed to operate at room temperature without requiring bulky magnetic shielding and uses a noise reduction algorithm to reduce noise interference and signal entanglement present in existing biomedical sensing methods. This technology may reduce system size and cost, maintain high sensitivity, and enhance portability, which may move quantum sensing into practical biomedical application, improve monitoring of disease, and broaden to other applications that are challenged by weak signal detection. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.