Quantum sensing makes use of the unique and counter-intuitive properties of matter and light when it is governed by quantum physics, such as quantization of energy levels, particle-wave duality, coherent superposition, and entanglement, to make precision sensors and measurements. Applications of quantum sensors range from medicine to navigation, security, materials science, and even astrophysics. One of the primary challenges in quantum sensing is to protect the quantum system that is being used as a measurement device from the deleterious effects of interacting with its surrounding environment, while remaining sensitive to the target signal.
Essential to this work is materials research aimed at creating materials with new, non-intuitive properties that are of both fundamental interest and have technological importance. Precision growth experiments, where different elemental species are deposited with single atomic layer resolution, are used to create new materials with well-controlled electronic and magnetic interactions. Those interactions can lead to the formation of new phases of matter where, for example, electrical current can flow either with zero resistance or as a viscous fluid, where magnetism can be controlled with applied electric fields, or that emit light with very narrow linewidth. In some cases, material lattice structures that cannot exist in nature are fabricated using top-down approaches, where a material is carved with an electron beam to create artificial materials called “meta-materials.”
Quantum sensing and quantum materials research in the WQI spans the campus, with faculty in the Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering departments.
Technologies and components for quantum sensors
Quantum sensing uses the interactions between quantum systems and their environment to precisely and sensitively measure physical quantities such as time, inertial motion, magnetic fields, and temperature.
Control and detection with quantum materials
Quantum materials host a remarkable range of emergent phenomena. Harnessing tailored light fields allows us not only to probe them but also to control them.
2D materials and new electronic phases
Quantum materials research is aimed at creating materials with new, non-intuitive properties that are of both fundamental interest and have technological importance.
