Our Quantum Biophotonics center is focused on advancing next-generation biomedical imaging technologies by fully exploiting light’s multidimensional properties—phase, polarization, spectral content, coherence, and quantum effects. By going beyond classical approaches, we aim to build systems capable of extracting rich, high-dimensional information from biological samples. A central part of this effort is QuantLase Lab’s invention—Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI). This novel device utilizes the unique characteristics of laser light to determine the optical scattering profiles of blood cells across a wide angular range of the spatial spectrum, enabling precise characterization of their morphological properties from only a tiny blood sample. Through coherent illumination, cell morphology is encoded in the complex scattered optical field. In this interaction, phase modulation is key—as it captures sub-micrometric morphological changes in blood cells, which are then translated into measurable optical diffraction patterns. We are now expanding DPI into a multimodal imaging platform, designed to deliver faster and more accurate results, particularly in the diagnosis and monitoring of blood-related diseases.
Explore the experts driving our lab's research and innovation.
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DPI-Based Multidimensional Imaging: Evolving our DPI device to integrate phase, polarization, hyperspectral, single-photon, and quantum imaging modalities. Biological Sample Characterization: Mapping optical and morphological features of blood and tissue samples to uncover new biomarkers of disease. AI-Enhanced Analysis: Leveraging deep learning to interpret complex diffraction and imaging datasets for automated detection and classification. Clinical Translation: Creating a cost-effective diagnostic solution with results available in seconds—dramatically reducing both test costs and analysis time compared to conventional methods. Our long-term goal is to deliver a fully functional multimodal imaging system that merges optical innovation with artificial intelligence, establishing new standards in biomedical diagnostics with particular impact in hematology and blood-related disease monitoring.
Laser-Based Covid-19 test device Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive technology that leverages laser-based optical phase modulation to detect subtle changes in blood cell deformability within seconds. By generating and analysing diffraction patterns, it delivers the DPI index—a reliable marker that distinguishes between healthy and diseased blood with exceptional accuracy and reproducibility. First deployed in 2021 across UAE borders, DPI enabled over 7 million rapid tests at 44 locations, playing a vital role in safely reopening the economy. With ISO 13485, UL, and CE certifications, DPI meets the highest global standards of safety and reliability. Today, our lab is driving the next phase of DPI development—expanding its capabilities to detect a wider range of blood-related diseases through multi-modal imaging techniques, including phase, spectral, and, in the near future, quantum imaging.
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QuantLase Research & Development Center, a subsidiary of International Holdings Company (IHC) in Abu Dhabi, is a research and innovation laboratory focused on developing sustainable solutions for the UAE community.
