Recent advances in quantum nanophotonics: plexcitonic and vibro-polaritonic strong coupling and its biomedical and chemical applications

Abstract

The fundamental understanding of molecular quantum electrodynamics via the strong light–matter interactions between a nanophotonic cavity and quantum emitters opens various applications in quantum biology, biophysics, and chemistry. However, considerable obstacles to obtaining a clear understanding of coupling mechanisms via reliable experimental quantifications remain to be resolved before this field can truly blossom toward practical applications in quantitative life science and photochemistry. Here, we provide recent advancements of state-of-the-art demonstrations in plexcitonic and vibro-polaritonic strong couplings and their applications. We highlight recent studies on various strong coupling systems for altering chemical reaction landscapes. Then, we discuss reports dedicated to the utilization of strong coupling methods for biomolecular sensing, protein functioning studies, and the generation of hybrid light–matter states inside living cells. The strong coupling regime provides a tool for investigating and altering coherent quantum processes in natural biological processes. We also provide an overview of new findings and future avenues of quantum biology and biochemistry.

Metasurfaces for Quantitative Biosciences of Molecules, Cells, and Tissues: Sensing and Diagnostics

“…Electron transfer propels vital processes in life, such as the electron transport chain workflow, DNA repair mechanisms, DNA replication, and cell apoptosis. 48 However, evidence of electron transfer pathways and mechanisms remains flawed owing to the lack of quantum biological tools. Plasmonic nanostructures bound to electron acceptor molecules play the role of the donor of the surface electrons when excited at their plasmon resonance frequency.…”

“…Electron transfer propels vital processes in life, such as the electron transport chain workflow, DNA repair mechanisms, DNA replication, and cell apoptosis . However, evidence of electron transfer pathways and mechanisms remains flawed owing to the lack of quantum biological tools.…”

“…The plasmon resonance tuning in the visible can be effectively performed via designing aluminum nanodisk array geometries. 51 However, future metasurfacebased studies could explore the potential of metasurface to analyze quantum biological effects with present spatial information, which could be applied for cancer therapeutics, 50 cell life cycle monitoring, 48 and dynamic monitoring of enzyme activity of live bacteria or cells. 102 We also highlight current advances in monitoring cell morphology, secretion, and tissue section analysis as diagnostic methods.…”

Full-aperture extended-depth oblique plane microscopy through dynamic remote focusing

“…While this configuration is effective and relatively simple to implement, the aperture mismatch between the secondary and tertiary objectives constitutes a significant drawback, limiting the performance and versatility of OPM. In fact, as the angle between the light sheet and the optical axis decreases, the fraction of fluorescence light coupled in the tertiary objective becomes smaller, reducing both signal intensity and imaging resolution 6 . The problem is visually represented in Fig.…”

Quantum Plexcitonic Sensing

“…With an origin in strong light–matter interactions, quantum plexcitons provide a promising path toward quantum state control under ambient conditions, which can be potentially harnessed for developing quantum sensing technologies. ,, Plexcitons are hybrid plasmon–exciton quasi-particles, formed under the strong coupling between plasmon and two-level quantum emitters (QEs), where the confined EM energy can dramatically augment the coupling strength through near field interactions to overcome energy loss rates. − The ensuing large coupling-to-loss ratio is characteristic of and essential for strong coupling, making plexcitons robust against environmental perturbations; this behavior is in sharp contrast to the fragile quantum states of ultracold atoms, trapped ions, and superconducting qubits. − …”