https://phys.org/news/2022-09-quantum-s ... arity.html
by Nancy Luedke, Texas A&M University College of Engineering
Texas A&M University researchers accomplished what was once considered impossible—they created a device capable of squeezing the quantum fluctuations of light down to a directed path and used it to enhance contrast imaging.
This one-of-a-kind "flashlight" was built to increase the signal-to-noise ratio present in Brillouin microscopy spectroscopic measurements that visually record the mechanical properties of structures inside living cells and tissues. Test results reveal the new source significantly increases image clarity and accuracy.
"This is a new avenue in research," said Dr. Vladislav Yakovlev, University Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering. "We are specially designing light in such a way that it can improve contrast."
"It's a new milestone in the capabilities of Brillouin microscopy and imaging extensively used for bio systems," said Dr. Girish Agarwal, University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "And it becomes part of an international effort to develop quantum sensors for diverse applications like brain imaging, biomolecule structure mapping and exploring underground oil and water sources by devising supersensitive gravimeters."