Quantum sensing and mechanobiology with optically trapped nanodiamonds
Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop
Date: 30 September 2026
Time: 12:30-13:30
Place: PJ Salen
Mechanobiology can be studied using optical micromanipulation enabling determination of forces, displacements and torques acting in complex out of equilibrium biological systems. Optical tweezers have been used for such studies very successfully. Transfer of optical angular momentum, (OAM), to matter broadens these applications to the rotational domain. The OAM is used for introducing rotation and torque to the system enabling application such as nano- and microviscoelasticity and production of all optically driven nano and micromachines.
Nanodiamonds (NDs) containing nitrogen- vacancy (NV) centres have raised interest as multifunctional probes for their unique possibility of being fluorescent scanning probes, combining spin optical read-out that makes them unique quantum sensors. Combining optical micromanipulation and NV centres in nanodiamonds (NDs) focuses on the advantages and achievements in controlling the NDs positioning that enables precise magnetic sensing and measurements of other highly relevant parameters of the environment that they are in such as minute temperature changes and PH. The measurements combine force, position and torque with fluorescence detection and optically detected magnetic resonance, ODMR. For high precision measurements of this type it is essential to be able to control precisely the position of the nanodiamonds. We are developing methods that combine rotational optical tweezers and quantum sensing with FNDs to achieve this goal.
Short bio:
Prof. Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, is Deputy Director of the ARC CoE in Quantum Biotechnology and runs Translational Research Portfolio there. She is Professor of Quantum Physics, at University of Queensland. At UQ, she leads groups in experimental quantum atom optics, laser micromanipulation and biophotonics. Halina is the recipient of many national and international awards, including Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia. She is a Fellow of Australian Academy of Science, a Fellow of SPIE, Optica and AIP. In 2024 Halina was awarded 2024 SPIE Directors’ Medal. In the same year she was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science honoris causa by the University of Glasgow. In January 2025 Halina was named as a recipient of SPIE Gold Medal 2025. Halina is actively pursuing work in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion area and is involved in popularisation and promotion of science.