Hugo Defienne, ERC PoC 2026 : Quantum-inspired Correlation-Based Adaptive Optics for Microscopy (CORAMI) Award Winner

Hugo Defienne en 2022. © INSP – Cécile Duflot

The CORAMI project aims to validate the viability of Correlation-Based Adaptive Optics (CAO), an innovative approach that uses optical correlations to correct aberrations in microscopes. CAO is intended to become a universal adaptive optics solution capable of correcting aberrations and improving the performance of a wide variety of microscopes, thereby meeting the needs of two vast and dynamic markets: biological research and medical diagnostics. Thanks to CAO, biologists, neuroscientists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists and other everyday users of microscopy will be able to capture in vivo images at greater depths (> 1 mm) and within more complex biological samples, whilst maintaining optical resolution (< 1 μm) and image contrast. Designed as an add-on module, the CAO will integrate seamlessly with any existing microscope without disrupting users’ routines – a key feature for its widespread adoption. By enhancing microscope performance, the CAO has the potential to catalyse groundbreaking discoveries in biology and improve medical diagnostics.