image: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Daqing Wang from the Institute for Applied Physics at University of Bonn receives a Proof of Concept-Grant by the European Research Council (ERC).
Credit: Credits: Gregor Hübl / University of Bonn
Junior-Professor Daqing Wang from the University of Bonn has received a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for his “MinCryo” project. With the grant of 150,000 euros over one year, the physicist will continue to prepare his research results for practical applications in industry. The technical solution developed by him and his team facilitates a wider and more resource-efficient access to cryogenic – extremely cold - optical imaging that combines microscopes with extremely cold temperatures.
In low-temperature microscopy, samples—e.g. cells, tissues, or new quantum materials—are frozen to extremely low temperatures down to about 4 Kelvin (~-270 degrees Celsius) to mitigate thermal noises in the sample and ensure precise imaging. The access to such low-temperature technology with conventional optical microscopes is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the fields of bioimaging, photonics, semiconductor research, and quantum technology. “However, integrating cryogenic measurement environments within the conventional microscopy segment in a sustainable way remains technically challenging. Traditional solutions are bulky, expensive and often require continuous consumption of liquid helium, which is a non-sustainable resource”, explains Jun.-Prof. Daqing Wang from the Institute for Applied Physics at University of Bonn: “In our laboratory, we have found a way to significantly reduce the complexity of the cryogenic optical imaging system, which potentially leads to a compact module that can be adapted to commercial optical microscopes.” This module can be used in Research and Development laboratories in various industry sectors, making cryo-optical microscopy more cost and resource efficient.
Optical imaging at extreme low-temperatures
Integrating cryogenic measurement conditions to commercial optical microscopes is technically demanding. One reason is that common cooling techniques introduce mechanical vibrations to the optical system and deteriorates its performance. A second reason is that the optical imaging system are extremely delicate, such that the lenses designed for measurement at room temperature will not work when they are cooled down. Having studied the vibrations in detail, the research team has found a way of mitigating vibrations using a minimal amount of optics in the low-temperature module. This enables the design of a cryo-module as a portable attachment for conventional microscopes. The team has already built a first prototype of this module and will now prepare the next steps towards commercialization with the ERC proof of concept funding.
Cost efficiency raises market potential for R&D sectors
Such a compact module integrated to commercial optical microscopes would make the low-temperature, high-stability and high-resolution measurement condition accessible and applicable by a much wider group of users. In addition to a lower acquisition cost, it will also reduce the consumption of liquid helium needed for the cryogenic process as the module operates with a close helium-cycle, offering a sustainable solution. The new solution can be attractive for the microscope industry and be used in quantum physics and biological research as well as in the field of optical imaging in medicine, photonics and semiconductor sector.
“The product design of “MinCryo” shows high market potential as the team is able to offer their innovative technology of low temperature conditions for optical microscopy with a substantially smaller physical footprint, and at significantly reduced costs. Being awarded this ERC Proof of Concept grant is a great success for the transfer activities at the University of Bonn”, emphasizes Dr. Daniela Treutlein from the Transfer Center enaCom, who has been closely advising the project during grant application and will continue to do so on its way to market readiness. With its innovation scouting and start-up consulting services, the Transfer Center supports innovative research projects with practical relevance and accompanies start-up projects on their way to becoming successful start-ups or spin-offs.
About Daqing Wang
Daqing Wang is an experimental quantum physicist running the research group “Nanophysics and Quantum Photonics” as a Tenure-track Professor at University of Bonn. He is also member of the Cluster of Excellence “Matter and Light for Quantum Computing” (ML4Q) and the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) “Matter”. Since his PhD, he has been closely engaged in the development of cryogenic optical systems to detect individual fluorescent molecules in solid-state samples. He has successfully acquired an ERC Starting Grant for his research project “MSpin” in 2023, based on which he will now further develop his results into practical application with the ERC Proof of Concept grant.
About ERC Proof of Concept
The European Research Council is awarding its Proof of Concept grant to bridge top-notch research to path-breaking innovation. It facilitates exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded projects thus addressing researchers who already are ERC grantees. They are being supported in establishing a proof of concept to demonstrate the feasibility or viability of a theoretical idea in practice. Tho further develop the innovation, ERC PoC-funded projects become eligible for subsequent funding schemes by the European Innovation Council (EIC), e.g. EIC Transition or Accelerator.