Developing a Novel Scanning Magnetic Imaging Technique for Magnetically Labeled Molecules

该方案的研究目标是开发一种非侵入性成像技术，用于检测具有齐托莫灵敏度、微米空间分辨率和几厘米检测范围的磁性标记生物分子。这项技术是基于原子磁测量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、新颖的成像方案、改进的适用性和独特的生物应用。智力价值本研究代表了一种新的分子成像方法。独特的长探测距离使这项新技术有别于现有的表面技术，使其非常适合在实际环境中进行三维分子成像。用新的工程概念设计传感器将导致齐托莫尔的检测极限。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，提高了该技术的适用性。通过设计新的传感器和新的补偿概念来克服非线性塞曼效应，否则将降低灵敏度，从而促进了磁屏蔽的去除。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，新技术不需要透明环境，因为激光不与分子系统相互作用，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的有限穿透深度，这是磁共振成像的问题。因此，这项拟议的研究将对分子成像领域产生革命性的影响。这项拟议的研究将填补磁性显微镜和远程磁场传感之间的技术空白。因此，它将打开目前在实验上不可行的新的成像应用。跨学科研究涉及物理、工程、化学和生物，为学生提供广泛的培训。他们的教育是这项提议的核心，因为他们的投入既决定了项目的成功，也决定了这个新领域的未来。此外，将继续致力于招收未被充分代表的本科生加入研究计划。可以预见，这些学生将通过与他们的同学和朋友分享他们富有成效的经验，以积极的方式广泛地影响社会。外展活动包括在暑期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，以及为在当地举办的世界科学博览会提供指导。

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.