Quantum Sensing
Project 1:
Quantum mechanics provides, in principle, ways for improving the sensitivity and resolution of sensors, beyond the levels achievable with purely classical effects. We work towards tapping that potential in practice.
Project leaders: Martino Poggio, Christoph Bruder
Members: Gianni Blatter, Christoph Bruder, Christian Degen, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, Tobias Kippenberg, Patrick Maletinsky, Martino Poggio, Christian Schönenberger, Philipp Treutlein, Stefan Willitsch, Vanessa Wood
The laws of quantum mechanics describe interactions between particles and their environments that cannot be understood within the framework of classical physics. These unique forms of interaction can be harnessed for measuring, for example, magnetic fields or mechanical forces with unprecedented sensitivity. Moreover, as quantum systems are typically very small, quantum sensors are ideally suited for measurements with high spatial resolution.
The goal of this project is to realize quantum-enhanced sensors by combining theoretical and experimental studies. On the one hand, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of quantum measurement, to develop concepts and architectures in which quantum protocols have clear advantages over their classical counterparts. On the other hand, we develop proof-of-principle quantum sensors and will use proven sensors for measurements that either provide new fundamental insights or surpass existing limits in sensitivity and precision.
Achieving these goals requires the application of quantum physics to the problem of ultra-sensitive measurement. We bring together a range of experimental systems, including cold atoms, trapped ions, single spins in semiconductors and diamond, nano- and micro-mechanical oscillators, and quantum states of light. Ultimately, we strive to pave a path towards quantum sensors that enable the determination of physical quantities with a resolution that is not achievable in conventional classical measurements and that is ideally limited only by fundamental, quantum-mechanical constraints.