The PHOENICIS project (PHOton Entangled states in Number Correlations for Imaging and Sensing), proposed by INRiM within the Spoke 7 “Complete Quantum System” cascade call, aimed to develop quantum-enhanced optical imaging systems based on the use of photon-number entangled states for detecting signals under low-intensity conditions.

In particular, the project focused on two main research lines:

• The development of a sub-shot-noise microscope for biological measurements;
• The implementation of quantum super-resolution microscopy techniques based on higher-order correlation functions and non-Poissonian emitters, integrated with structured illumination microscopy (SIM).

Both objectives were fully achieved.

On the one hand, a phase-imaging microscope — particularly suited for biological applications — was realized, demonstrating the absence of a trade-off between resolution and noise suppression, unlike what typically occurs in absorption imaging. This result opens the way to broader use of the technique.

On the other hand, a clear improvement in resolution was demonstrated by combining non-Poissonian emitters (quantum dots) with structured light. These findings also point to strong potential for practical applications.

Key publications:

[1] A. Paniate et al., High-resolution quantum-enhanced phase imaging of cells, Optica 13 (2026) 375
[2] F. Picariello et al., Quantum super-resolution microscopy by photon statistics and structured light, Optica 12(4), 490 (2025)

L'INRiM è il proponente del progetto Quantumix (Ultracold atom-ion mixtures for quantum technologies), approvato nell’ambito del bando a cascata dello Spoke 3 Atomic, Molecular Platform for Quantum Technologies.

Quantumix mira a portare le miscele atomo-ione nel regime quantistico, dove le collisioni avvengono a temperature ultrabasse, consentendo un'evoluzione coerente del sistema. Questo regime è stato finora difficile da raggiungere a causa del riscaldamento indotto dalla micromozione e dalle collisioni anelastiche.

Obiettivi principali:

1. Raffreddamento e trasporto efficiente di atomi neutri: utilizzo di un reticolo ottico per raffreddare gli atomi e sincronizzare la produzione di gas quantistici con quella di ioni intrappolati.
2. Eliminazione della micromozione: sviluppo e caratterizzazione di una trappola ionica innovativa senza radiofrequenza (RF-free), basata su un sistema elettro-ottico.
3. Misurazione della temperatura dello ione: impiego di spettroscopia di precisione a livello di clock per misurare la temperatura e dimostrare la riduzione dell'entropia dello ione dopo l'immersione in un gas quantistico.

Scegliendo una miscela di Litio fermionico e ioni di Bario, il progetto controllerà i processi anelastici indesiderati, come le collisioni di scambio di carica.

L'accesso al regime quantistico nelle miscele atomo-ione aprirà nuove possibilità per l’interazione quantistica in tecnologie come simulazioni, informazione e metrologia quantistica, rappresentando un progresso significativo nel controllo di sistemi quantistici compositi.

The STAR project, led by INRiM, has been successfully completed, achieving significant technological milestones that strengthen the objectives of Spoke 6 of NQSTI (National Quantum Science and Technology Institute) in quantum metrology and quantum technologies.

Among the main results, the project demonstrated the development of superconducting Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) single-photon detectors with excellent photon-number-resolving (PNR) capability, successfully discriminating up to 13 photons at a wavelength of 690 nm through the optimization of Ti/Au bilayers.

The system detection efficiency (SDE) reached 85%, a value achieved through the use of specific anti-reflection coatings. In addition, the implementation of “gold banks” structures enabled count rates exceeding 1 MHz, ensuring state-of-the-art response times for this type of detector.

A key outcome of the project was the realization of a linear array of 8 TES devices (with a 250 μm pitch), optimized for integration with standard optical fiber arrays. This advancement is supported by the validation of the new POLARIS facility (Precise Optical Line-up And Reference Imaging System), which enables sub-micrometric alignment precision between fibers and sensors.

These results not only enhance the photonic platform of Spoke 6, but also open new avenues for quantum sensing and single-photon metrology.

INRiM is the proponent of the project QCS APP LAB (Quantum Communication and Sensing Applications Laboratory), approved within the NQSTI program – Spoke 8 Technology Transfer, funded through the PNRR and coordinated by Dr. Davide Calonico, Scientific Director of INRiM. 

The aim of the project is to create a Joint Lab for quantum communication and quantum sensing applications, adopting a public-private model. This joint laboratory brings together scientific, technological and entrepreneurial expertise capable of guiding the evolution from fundamental research carried out in the laboratory to practical applications, moving from technology to the market.

The main objectives include:

• Public-private joint laboratory: establishing a collaborative platform that brings together research and industry, creating a virtuous model of shared innovation.
• Quantum communication technologies: developing solutions for secure networks based on quantum principles, with direct impacts on data protection and critical infrastructures.
• Quantum sensing for advanced applications: realizing high-precision quantum sensors with applications in metrology, medicine, and security.
• National and European ecosystem: strengthening Italy’s role in the development of quantum technologies, in synergy with NQSTI strategic projects and in an international cooperation context.

These approaches aim to make QCS APP LAB an attractive hub of interests, infrastructure, and skills, capable of sustaining its activities from the second year of operation and generating value for the National System, while contributing to the competitive positioning of Italy and Europe in the field of quantum technologies.