Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed an innovative imaging technique that may enhance the capabilities of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and improve the understanding of complex biological processes.
Led by Dr. Amit Finkler from the Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, the team has introduced a method capable of imaging individual electrons, a significant advancement in the field. This technique, still in its early stages, could eventually be applied to various types of molecules, potentially revolutionizing pharmaceutical development and quantum material characterization.
Current MRI technologies, while effective for diagnosing numerous diseases, face limitations, particularly in efficiency. Traditional MRI requires samples containing hundreds of billions of water molecules, which can obscure critical details when averaged across such large quantities. Dr. Finkler emphasizes that obtaining detailed information often necessitates a closer inspection, akin to zooming in on a specific feature in a crowded photograph.
The new method proposed by Finkler and his collaborators utilizes a rotating magnetic field near a nitrogen-vacancy center in a special synthetic diamond, functioning as a quantum sensor. This atomic-sized sensor is highly sensitive to nearby changes and can distinguish between the presence of a single electron or multiple electrons, allowing for precise localization of individual electrons.
Dr. Finkler notes, “This new method could provide a complementary perspective to existing techniques in understanding the molecular triad of structure, function, and dynamics.” The research represents a significant step toward achieving nanometric imaging precision, with the team successfully determining the three-dimensional location of an electron with an accuracy of 0.09 nanometers.
Dr. Finkler’s academic journey began at the Weizmann Institute, where he earned his master's and doctoral degrees. He later conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Stuttgart before establishing his own laboratory at the Weizmann Institute.