Entangled Quantum Sensors in Biology

Abstract

The objectives of this proposal are to develop and exploit quantum entanglement for sensing in neural and organelle electrophysiology and biology. Our hypothesis is that, by using entangled spin pairs in sub - 10 nm nano-diamond in cells, incorporated into the plasma membrane, that we can sense the electric and magnetic fields of the cell wall (action potential in a neuron, astrocyte) above the electromagnetic noise due to the milieu of chemical and other background using a correlated, field gradient measurement. This would be the first ever demonstration of any manmade entangled system in a living biological system (a cultured neuron). If proven, the concept is scalable to a non-invasive 3d quantum camera of neural activity at a massively parallel scale. The long term significance of this work is that, if quantum sensors can be integrated into the lipid bilayer membrane, this quantum sensing technology can be applied in many areas of cell biology where quantum biology effects may be expected to play a physiological role. This includes membranes which contain cryptochromes, cytochromes, and other protein complexes with unpaired electrons giving quantum spin behavior not seen in other biochemical effects. These reside mostly in the bilayer of organelles such as mitochondria, which play a large energetic role in astrocytes and neurons, and hence are an important potential link between quantum mechanics, bioenergetics-metabolism, cell biology, and consciousness. It is understood that any developmental items and specially designed parts, components, accessories and attachments generated under this Defense Department agreement are being developed for both civil and military applications.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 06, 2024
Source ID
FA95502310436

Entities

People

  • Peter J Burke

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • University of California, Irvine

Tags

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Neuroscience
  • Quantum Chemistry

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Science - Quantum Dots