Quantum sensors for biomedical applications

Quantum sensors enable new possibilities in biomedical applications due to their high sensitivity. In this Review, the status of quantum sensing is presented, and the path towards real-world applications on the molecular, cellular and organism scale is evaluated. Quantum sensors are finding their way from laboratories to the real world, as witnessed by the increasing number of start-ups in this field. The atomic length scale of quantum sensors and their coherence properties enable unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity. Biomedical applications could benefit from these quantum technologies, but it is often difficult to evaluate the potential impact of the techniques. This Review sheds light on these questions, presenting the status of quantum sensing applications and discussing their path towards commercialization. The focus is on two promising quantum sensing platforms: optically pumped atomic magnetometers, and nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond. The broad spectrum of biomedical applications is highlighted by four case studies ranging from brain imaging to single-cell spectroscopy.

Automated summary

Quantum sensors with high sensitivity have opened up new possibilities in biomedical applications. This Review presents the current status of quantum sensing and evaluates the path towards real-world applications at the molecular, cellular, and organism scale. Quantum sensors are transitioning from laboratories to the real world, as evidenced by the growing number of start-ups in this field. The atomic scale and coherence properties of quantum sensors enable unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity. Biomedical applications could benefit from these quantum technologies, but evaluating the potential impact of the techniques is often challenging. This Review sheds light on these questions by presenting the current status of quantum sensing applications and discussing their path towards commercialization. Two promising quantum sensing platforms, optically pumped atomic magnetometers and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, are highlighted. The broad spectrum of biomedical applications is emphasized through four case studies ranging from brain imaging to single-cell spectroscopy.