Developing a Novel Scanning Magnetic Imaging Technique for Magnetically Labeled Molecules

本提案的研究目标是开发一种无创成像技术，用于检测磁标记的生物分子，具有zeptomole灵敏度，微米级空间分辨率和几厘米的检测范围。该技术是基于原子磁强计的磁场灵敏度和扫描成像的空间分辨率。研究活动集中在四个相关领域：新一代原子传感器、新型成像方案、改进的适用性和独特的生物学应用。本研究提出了一种分子成像的新方法。这种新技术独特的长探测范围使其与现有的表面技术区别开来，使其非常适合在实际环境中进行三维分子成像。采用新的工程概念设计传感器将导致zeeptomole检测极限。将开发独特的扫描方案，为三维成像提供高空间分辨率。通过消除目前大多数磁成像技术所需要的磁屏蔽，增强了该技术的适用性。新型传感器的设计和新的补偿概念有助于消除磁屏蔽，以克服非线性塞曼效应，否则会降低灵敏度。在应用方面，提出了一种新的方法来提供现有技术尚未揭示的关于键断裂的关键细节。此外，新技术不需要透明的环境，因为激光束不与分子系统相互作用，这与光学成像技术相反；该技术检测直流磁信号，避免了交流信号在导体中穿透深度有限，这是磁共振成像的一个问题。因此，本研究将对分子成像领域产生变革性的影响。更广泛的影响更广泛的影响在于这项建议的研究方面和教育方面。本研究将填补磁显微与远距离磁场传感之间的技术空白。因此，它将开辟目前在实验上不可行的新的成像应用。跨学科的研究，涉及物理，工程，化学和生物学，为学生提供了广泛的培训。他们的教育是这个提议的核心，因为他们的投入决定了项目的成功和这个新领域的未来。此外，大量的努力将继续致力于招募代表性不足的本科生进入研究项目。可以预见，这些学生将通过与同学和朋友分享他们富有成效的经验，以积极的方式广泛影响社会。外展活动包括在夏季接待高中生从事专门定制的研究任务，与当地文理学院互动以扩大尖端研究的影响，以及指导在当地举行的全球科学博览会。

The research objective of this proposal is to develop a noninvasive imaging technique for detecting magnetically labeled biological molecules with zeptomole sensitivity, micrometer spatial resolution, and a detection range of several centimeters. The technique is based on atomic magnetometry for magnetic field sensitivity and scanning imaging for spatial resolution. The research activities focus on four related areas: new-generation atomic sensors, novel imaging schemes, improved applicability, and unique biological applications.Intellectual MeritThis proposed research represents a novel approach for molecular imaging. The unique long detection range distinguishes this new technique from existing surface techniques, making it well suited for three-dimensional molecular imaging at practical settings. Design of sensors with new engineering concepts will lead to a zeptomole detection limit. Unique scanning schemes will be developed to provide high spatial resolution for three-dimensional imaging. The applicability of the technique is enhanced by eliminating the magnetic shield which is currently required for most magnetic imaging techniques. The removal of magnetic shield is facilitated by the design of new sensors and a new compensating concept to overcome the nonlinear Zeeman effect which will otherwise degrade the sensitivity. On the application front, a novel method is proposed to provide critical details regarding bond rupture that have not been revealed with existing techniques. In addition, the new technique does not require a transparent environment since the laser beam does not interact with the molecular system, contrary to optical imaging techniques; this technique detects dc magnetic signal, avoiding the limited penetration depth of ac signal in conductors, which is a problem for magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, the proposed research will have transformative impact on the field of molecular imaging.Broader ImpactsBroader impacts lie in both the research front and the educational aspect of this proposal. The proposed research will fill the technology gap between magnetic microscopy and long-distance magnetic field sensing. Consequently it will open up new imaging applications that are not experimentally feasible at present. The interdisciplinary research, which involves physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology, offers a wide range of training for students. Their education is central to this proposal, as their input determines both the success of the projects and the future of this new field. In addition, substantial effort will be continuously devoted to recruiting underrepresented undergraduate students into the research program. It is foreseeable these students will broadly impact the society in a positive manner by sharing their fruitful experiences with their classmates and friends. Outreach activities include hosting high school students during summer to work on specifically-tailored research tasks, interacting with local liberal arts colleges to expand the impact of cutting-edge research, and serving to guide worldwide science fairs held in the local area.