Q-VIBE explores a new approach to vibrational microscopy by combining quantum photonics with infrared spectroscopy. The project aims to develop a quantum-enabled microscope for label-free, non-destructive, and spatially resolved chemical analysis.
By exploiting quantum optical approaches, Q-VIBE seeks to access infrared vibrational information using near-infrared detection technologies, potentially overcoming some of the cost, complexity, and speed limitations of conventional infrared microscopy.
The project brings together academic and industrial expertise in quantum and nonlinear optics, vibrational spectroscopy and imaging, crystal engineering, hyperspectral imaging, and microplastics analysis.
Microplastics analysis will serve as Q-VIBE’s flagship real-world application, providing a timely, societally relevant, and scientifically challenging testbed for the development, benchmarking, and validation of the new technology. Rapid, reliable, and spatially resolved chemical identification of microplastics could improve environmental monitoring and support emerging regulatory needs.
The Q-VIBE project has been funded by the European Innovation Council under the Horizon Europe program in the EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN call.
The grant no. is 101258685.