Patrick Kinsey
Biography
I am currently completing the second year of my Master’s degree at the University of Pretoria (UP). My interest in science, particularly physics, developed during high school, inspired by exceptional teachers who encouraged me to pursue the subject further. This led me to study Physics at UP, where I obtained my undergraduate and Honours degrees.
As part of my Honours project, I prototyped a multispectral camera using a Raspberry Pi (HyperPi) under Prof. Kruger in the Biophysics research group. The project aimed to develop a functional, lower-cost alternative to commercial hyperspectral cameras. Through this work, I was introduced to experimental optical systems and scientific instrumentation, which motivated me to continue with Master’s studies at UP and to pursue research in quantum technologies.
Research
My current research, titled “Using Entangled Photons for Plasmonic Sensing for Early Disease Detection in Plants,” aims to develop a quantum-enhanced biosensing setup based on surface plasmon resonance. By exploiting quantum light generated from a nonlinear crystal, I hope to produce plasmonic measurements that characterise plant biomarkers with improved sensitivity compared to classical surface plasmon resonance techniques (SPR).
This work involves the design and alignment of a precision optical setup to generate and measure surface plasmons at a metal–dielectric interface where biomarker binding occurs. The research lies at the intersection of quantum sensing, optics, and biophysics, with potential applications in plant disease detection.
Awards & presentations
Conference Presentation, Frontiers in Quantum Technologies Workshop: Current Applications, State of Development and Commercialisation of Quantum Technologies, CSIR, 2025.
“Quantum Mechanics for Understanding and Developing Spectroscopy” co-authorship.
Golden Key International Honour Society, 2020.