Chané Moodley, a Wits PhD graduate, is leading the charge in creating South Africa’s first quantum microscope, promising a scientific revolution with its groundbreaking capabilities.
Johannesburg, South Africa (10 October 2023) – After a recent viral incident involving an allegedly fake Wits graduate, it is only fitting to celebrate a genuine success story that showcases the immense potential of South African talent.
Chané Moodley, a recent PhD graduate of the Wits Structured Light Laboratory in the School of Physics, is spearheading efforts to create and commercialise South Africa’s first quantum microscope—a remarkable advancement that promises to revolutionise scientific research.
In an era where groundbreaking discoveries and innovations are essential, Dr Moodley’s journey exemplifies the power of education, dedication, and collaboration. Under the mentorship of Professor Andrew Forbes in the Structured Light Laboratory at Wits University, Dr Moodley has embarked on an exciting mission to lead the QLab research team at Raphta in developing and commercialising this groundbreaking quantum microscope.
Raphta, based in Midrand, is known for its pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence to safeguard critical infrastructure, including water, solar, and telecoms facilities in South Africa. Through its subsidiary, QLab, Raphta has become the commercialisation partner of the Structured Light Laboratory’s quantum technology, and Moodley is at the helm of this innovative venture. Traditional microscopes, although invaluable tools in science and medicine, have limitations. Many materials under examination are sensitive to light and can be damaged by the intense illumination of traditional microscopes. Quantum microscopes, however, present a transformative solution. These marvels of science utilise a fraction of the light compared to their traditional counterparts and can operate effectively in low-light environments.
The core principle behind a quantum microscope lies in the phenomenon of photon entanglement. In simple terms, it involves two particles, such as photons, remaining interconnected, even when separated by vast distances. This means that the characteristics of one entangled particle can be measured remotely by observing its entangled counterpart—a concept that defies conventional scientific boundaries.
Raphta’s QLab, officially launched in September, stands as a pioneering research and innovation arm akin to Google X. It is devoted to quantum imaging, Artificial Intelligence, and next-generation technologies. Among its innovative solutions is Shuri AI, an autonomous software platform harnessing the power of AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion to mitigate and ultimately prevent incidents of theft and vandalism to critical infrastructure.
Dr Moodley, having recently earned her PhD in physics, boasts a diverse background as both a physicist and physiologist. Her extensive research experience across various fields at international institutions contributed to the foundation of her groundbreaking work. Her PhD thesis focused on applying AI to quantum imaging, with the aim of optimisation and enhancement—a crucial step towards the development of the revolutionary quantum microscope.
As Dr Moodley emphasises, the journey towards creating the quantum microscope is in its infancy. Collaborating closely with the Structured Light Laboratory and Professor Andrew Forbes, Dr Moodley envisions demonstrating a viable product within approximately five years—a prospect that holds immense promise for the scientific community and beyond.
Tshidiso Radinne, CEO of Raphta, firmly believes that AI has a pivotal role to play in South Africa and the wider continent. By nurturing a growing local AI community and contributing meaningfully to technological advancement, Raphta and its subsidiary, QLab, are poised to make a substantial impact on critical infrastructure, healthcare, smart cities, and addressing AI bias—a testament to the transformative power of innovation.
South Africa’s first quantum microscope, taking its first steps towards reality, is not just a scientific breakthrough—it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of progress while highlighting the incredible potential that resides within our global community.
As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we are reminded that even in the face of adversity, real heroes like Chané Moodley continue to inspire us all.
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