Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Photons in the brain: Imaging biophotons with quantum detectors
Agreement Number:
984648
Agreement Value:
$698,500.00
Agreement Date:
Feb 1, 2022 - Aug 31, 2026
Description:
Very weak light, known as biophotons, are emitted spontaneously by living organisms, but the origin, wavelength emission spectrum and the mechanism for this emission have not been clearly identified, although energy metabolic processes seem to be involved. Moreover, neurons react to light stimuli, and biophotons can be conducted along neuronal fibres following chemical activation. Thus, it has been conjectured that biophotons are involved in neural communication. The objective of the Project is to use quantum technologies for single photon level imaging and detection to elucidate the properties of the biophotons in brain activity. The main challenge of imaging biophotons is their low intensity, which requires
detectors displaying high sensitivity and very low noise levels. To resolve biophoton detection in biological samples, the Project team will use singlephoton imaging cameras, spanning the visible to shortwave infrared spectrum, coupled with spectral filters to achieve spatial and spectral resolution. These approaches will be benchmarked against superconducting nano-wire single-photon detectors.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Location:
Calgary, Alberta, CA T2N 1N4
Reference Number:
172-2021-2022-Q1-984648
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
108102864
Recipient Type:
Academia
Additional Information:
This agreement has been amended 2 time(s). The end date of this agreement has been modified by 577 days.
Amendment Date
Dec 4, 2024
Recipient's Legal Name:
The Governors of the University of Calgary
Federal Riding Name:
Calgary Confederation
Federal Riding Number:
48005
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
NAICS Code:
541710
Amendments: