Laboratory for quantum biophotonics

The Laboratory for Quantum Biophotonics (LQB) is a pivotal research unit within the Institute of Physics (IPB), serving as an important pillar in strategic development toward becoming a Center of Excellence in quantum photonics’ technologies and biophotonics – the study of light-matter interaction in biological systems. The LQB’s development is directly aligned with the strategic roadmap defined by the BioQantSense project (101079355 — BioQantSense — HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03), aimed at bolstering scientific excellence, technological capacity, and integration into the European research and innovation landscape.

Building on the capacities established through the BioQantSense project, the LQB’s research focus is on the approaches based on precise quantum-optical techniques for weak-signal detection. These approaches have broad applications in both fundamental physics and for development of advanced sensing systems in the field of physics and biology.

Research activities integrate quantum optics, theoretical physics, imaging and spectroscopy. A primary focus is quantum imaging in the near- and mid-infrared ranges. By leveraging quantum interferometry with entangled photon pairs, the LQB offer label-free, non-invasive imaging of live and transparent samples. This technique enables new capabilities for microscopy and spectroscopy in the “fingerprint” region, which is essential for characterizing chemical and biological analyses.

The laboratory develops state-of-the-art digital holography microscopes (DHM). DHM is becoming increasingly vital in biological research, as it can generate both amplitude and phase 3D images of an object, providing detailed information of intercellular refractive index and cell thickness. Both quantum and classical imaging systems are integrated with microfluidic and micro-optical Lab-on-a-chip platforms, enabling simultaneous observation of biological samples using both classical and quantum light. This allows for direct comparison and synergistic advancement of classical and quantum holography methods.

In the field of biophotonics, the Laboratory explores the optical properties of biological structures, with a particular focus on micro- and nanostructured systems. Research includes the analysis of spectral and polarization properties across a wide range of wavelengths, as well as exploring their potential applications in optical sensing systems.

Ultimately, the LQB’s activities are guided by continuous strategic development, regular result evaluations, and the ongoing enhancement of research, management, and international collaborative capacities.

RESEARCHERS

Dušan Arsenović, Principal Research Fellow

Branislav Jelenković, Principal Research Fellow in retirement, Academician

Dejan Pantelić, Principal Research Fellow in retirement

Marina Lekić, Senior Research Associate

Marija Radmilović Rađenović, Principal Research Fellow

Svetlana Savić-Šević, Senior Research Associate

Branka Murić, Senior Research Associate

Aleksander Kovačević, Senior Research Associate

Danica Pavlović, Senior Research Associate

Branislav Salatić, Senior Research Associate

Marija Ćurčić, Research Associate

Filip Krajinić, Research Assistant

The Head of the Laboratory is Marina Lekić, Senior Research Associate