Articles tagged with "quantum-sensors"
Entangled atomic clouds separated in space boost measurement precision
Researchers have demonstrated a novel quantum measurement technique that uses entangled atomic clouds separated in space to enhance precision in sensing spatial variations of physical fields. Traditionally, quantum noise and uncertainty limit the accuracy of measurements at very small scales, especially when probing how quantities like electromagnetic fields change across different locations. Previous entanglement-based improvements were confined to atoms kept together in a single location, restricting measurements to one point. This study overcame that limitation by first entangling a single ultracold atomic cloud and then dividing it into two or three spatially separated clouds, preserving the entanglement despite the separation. This approach enabled the atomic clouds to act as a single quantum system, reducing quantum uncertainty and common disturbances across all clouds. The experiment involved atoms cooled to near absolute zero, where their spins respond sensitively to electromagnetic fields. By distributing entangled atoms across multiple locations, the researchers could measure spatial variations in the field with greater accuracy than previously possible. They also developed the theoretical framework to describe and optimize such multi
quantum-measurementatomic-cloudsentanglementprecision-measurementquantum-physicsultracold-atomsquantum-sensorsUS builds laser lab for world's largest vertical atom interferometer
The US Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) has completed construction of a specialized laser laboratory to support the MAGIS-100 experiment, which features the world’s largest vertical atom interferometer. This 328-foot (100-meter) interferometer will use ultra-cold strontium atom clouds and precision laser pulses to investigate ultralight dark matter, a mysterious form of matter that constitutes about 85% of the universe’s mass but has never been directly observed. The interferometer operates by splitting and recombining atom clouds, detecting interference patterns that reveal tiny disturbances in gravitational fields potentially caused by interactions between dark matter particles, such as axions, and ordinary matter. MAGIS-100 is a collaborative effort involving Fermilab, Stanford University, Northwestern University, and other US and UK institutions. The experiment is housed in a deep shaft previously used for underground access, and the newly completed laser lab will accommodate the high-power laser systems essential for its operation. Researchers
energylaser-technologyatom-interferometerdark-matter-researchprecision-measurementFermilabquantum-sensorsQuantum detectors could 'see' dark matter velocity with new method
Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Chuo University have proposed a novel method to detect light dark matter particles by employing a network of distributed quantum sensors. Unlike traditional detectors that rely on observing particle collisions or recoil tracks, this approach leverages quantum measurement protocols across spatially extended detectors to extract information about the velocity and arrival direction of dark matter. This method is applicable to any dark matter detector capable of quantum data acquisition, making it a versatile tool for probing sub-GeV dark matter candidates, which behave more like waves than particles. The new strategy addresses limitations of current detection techniques that struggle to measure the velocity of light dark matter due to their reliance on discrete excitation modes. By treating data from multiple quantum sensors collectively, the researchers can infer dark matter’s movement without needing spatially extended signals. Analytical assessments suggest that this quantum sensor array offers higher sensitivity than classical methods and does not depend on specific particle interactions or detector geometries. The team envisions refining this technique further to map dark matter distributions, potentially opening
quantum-sensorsdark-matter-detectionquantum-measurementparticle-physicshigh-energy-physicsquantum-engineeringsensor-networksFirst self-powered quantum microwave signal achieved in experiment
Researchers from Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have experimentally demonstrated the first self-induced superradiant masing—microwave signal generation without external driving forces. Superradiance, a quantum optics phenomenon where atoms or quantum dots emit intense, coherent light pulses collectively, was traditionally associated with energy loss and short bursts. However, the team observed a novel behavior where quantum particles, specifically electron spins in nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers within diamond ensembles, self-sustain long-lived, stable microwave pulses through intrinsic spin–spin interactions. This self-organization from seemingly disordered spin interactions produces a coherent microwave signal, revealing a fundamentally new mode of collective quantum behavior. The discovery challenges previous assumptions that interactions among quantum particles disrupt coherence, showing instead that these interactions can fuel and maintain quantum emission. Large-scale computational simulations confirmed that spin interactions continually repopulate energy levels, sustaining the superradiant reaction over extended periods. This breakthrough opens new avenues for
quantum-technologymicrowave-signalssuperradianceenergy-harvestingquantum-sensorsquantum-materialsspintronicsQubits break long-held quantum limit by evolving in superposed time paths
Researchers from India and Poland have demonstrated that a fundamental quantum limit on temporal correlations, long thought unbreakable, can be surpassed using qubits evolving in superpositions of different time paths. Traditionally, the Leggett–Garg inequality tests whether an object behaves classically or quantum mechanically over time, with quantum systems known to violate this inequality only up to the temporal Tsirelson’s bound (TTB). The new study shows that by allowing a qubit to simultaneously follow two incompatible time evolutions—enabled by quantum superposition—this bound can be exceeded, revealing stronger-than-expected quantum correlations across time. The team implemented their experiment using three qubits in a molecule studied via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). One qubit acted as a controller in a superposition state, directing the target qubit to evolve along two different time paths simultaneously, while the third qubit read out temporal correlations. This setup led to violations of the Leggett–Garg inequality well beyond the TTB,
quantum-computingqubitsquantum-sensorsquantum-mechanicsquantum-technologysuperpositionnuclear-magnetic-resonanceSingle-atom setup settles Einstein–Bohr challenge with new clarity
A research team at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), led by Pan Jianwei, has experimentally realized a century-old thought experiment originally proposed by Albert Einstein in 1927, which challenged the foundations of quantum mechanics. Using a highly sensitive single-atom interferometer with a trapped rubidium atom cooled near absolute zero, they recreated Einstein’s idea of detecting a photon’s path by measuring the recoil of a movable slit. Their results confirmed Niels Bohr’s counterargument: attempting to determine the photon’s trajectory destroys the interference pattern, demonstrating the fundamental incompatibility of certain quantum properties in a single measurement. This experiment provides one of the clearest modern validations of Bohr’s interpretation of quantum mechanics. Beyond settling this historic debate, the experiment offers a precise platform to explore more subtle quantum phenomena such as coherence loss and entanglement with the environment. By controlling the atom’s confinement and thus the photon’s momentum uncertainty, the team could tune the visibility of interference fringes, aligning
materialsquantum-physicssingle-atom-interferometerquantum-mechanicsquantum-entanglementquantum-sensorsquantum-communicationQuantum brain scanner aims to scan troops on-site for blast injuries
The UK is developing the world’s first fully mobile quantum-powered magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scanner designed to detect real-time neurological changes in military personnel shortly after blast exposure. This portable system, funded with over £3 million by the Ministry of Defence, will allow medical teams to conduct advanced brain imaging directly at firing ranges or deployment sites, eliminating the need to transport troops to fixed hospital scanners. The technology uses optically pumped magnetometer MEG (OPM-MEG) sensors to non-invasively measure subtle and transient electrical brain activity changes caused by shock waves from high-power weapons, which typically vanish within 24–48 hours and are difficult to capture with conventional hospital-based scanners. Developed by Cerca Magnetics in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, the mobile MEG system aims to provide immediate, precise insights into the acute effects of blast exposure and track neurological recovery over days. This breakthrough is expected to improve decision-making regarding safe blast exposure limits and return-to-duty
quantum-sensorsbrain-imagingportable-medical-devicesdefense-technologyneurological-healthmobile-MEGblast-injury-detectionQuantum navigation and AI identity systems are redefining military resilience
The article discusses how modern military resilience is increasingly defined by advances in quantum navigation and AI-driven identity systems, reflecting a shift from traditional physical battlefields to digital and data-centric domains. The US Department of Defense has invested heavily—awarding multiyear contracts worth up to $200 million each—to major AI companies to gain operational advantages through agentic AI workflows that accelerate decision-making, automate routine tasks, and reduce the time between detection and action. Retired military expert William Young emphasizes that control over data movement, particularly over the electromagnetic spectrum, is now as strategically critical as naval dominance was in previous centuries, linking military and commercial power. A key vulnerability addressed is the military’s reliance on satellite navigation, which has been increasingly targeted by spoofing attacks disrupting operations in critical waterways. Quantum sensors, which detect subtle variations in Earth’s gravity or magnetic fields, are emerging as a satellite-independent solution for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). Australian company Q-CTRL demonstrated a ruggedized quantum sensor system
quantum-navigationartificial-intelligencemilitary-technologycyber-defensesatellite-navigationquantum-sensorsdata-securityWorld’s first linked time crystal could supercharge quantum computers
European researchers at Aalto University in Finland have, for the first time, successfully connected a time crystal to an external system, marking a significant breakthrough in quantum technology. Time crystals are a novel phase of matter proposed by Nobel Laureate Frank Wilczek, characterized by perpetual motion in their lowest energy state without energy input. Previously, time crystals had only been observed in isolated quantum systems, but the Aalto team demonstrated that a time crystal formed from magnons in a superfluid helium-3 environment can interact with a mechanical oscillator. This connection allowed them to adjust the time crystal’s properties, a feat not achieved before. The experiment involved pumping magnons—quasiparticles behaving like individual particles—into the superfluid cooled near absolute zero, creating a time crystal that maintained motion for up to 108 cycles (several minutes). As the time crystal’s motion faded, it coupled with a nearby mechanical oscillator, with changes in frequency analogous to known optomechanical phenomena used in gravitational wave detection.
quantum-computingtime-crystalquantum-sensorsoptomechanical-systemsultracold-physicsquantum-materialslow-temperature-physicsIntegrated photonics can bring million-atom quantum trap to chips
Researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara have made significant advances in miniaturizing cold atom quantum experiments, traditionally confined to large, delicate laboratory setups, onto palm-sized photonic chips. By leveraging integrated photonics—technology that manipulates light on silicon nitride chips—they developed a 3D magneto-optical trap capable of cooling and trapping over a million rubidium atoms to ultra-cold temperatures (around 250 microkelvin). This breakthrough enables highly precise quantum measurements previously only possible in bulky optical tables, opening the door to portable quantum sensors for applications such as earthquake detection, sea level rise monitoring, gravitational experiments, and dark matter searches. A key challenge addressed by the team was the noise and instability of commercial lasers, which hinder quantum precision. In 2024, they engineered an ultra-low linewidth, self-injection-locked 780 nm laser integrated directly on the chip, significantly reducing noise and enhancing measurement sensitivity. This integration of lasers, mirrors, modulators, and stabilizers onto
quantum-computingintegrated-photonicsquantum-sensorssilicon-nitride-chipscold-atom-technologyminiaturized-quantum-devicesquantum-navigationNext-gen quantum sensors could be built as scientists overcome big hurdle
Scientists at the University of Sydney have developed a new quantum sensing protocol that overcomes limitations imposed by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, enabling ultra-precise measurements of both position and momentum simultaneously. By effectively redistributing the unavoidable quantum uncertainty—pushing it into less critical areas—they can measure fine details with unprecedented sensitivity. This approach uses "grid states," quantum states initially designed for error-corrected quantum computing, applied to the tiny vibrational motion of a trapped ion, analogous to a quantum pendulum. This breakthrough allows measurements beyond the standard quantum limit achievable by classical sensors, potentially revolutionizing navigation in GPS-denied environments such as submarines, underground locations, or spaceflight. Additionally, it holds promise for enhancing biological and medical imaging, materials monitoring, gravitational system analysis, and fundamental physics research. While still experimental, this new framework complements existing quantum sensing technologies and could lead to next-generation sensors capable of detecting extremely subtle signals with high precision.
quantum-sensorsquantum-uncertaintynavigation-technologyprecision-measurementtrapped-ionsensor-technologyHeisenberg-uncertainty-principleUltra-thin quantum sensors survive 30,000 times the pressure of air
Physicists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed ultra-thin quantum sensors made from crystallized boron nitride that can measure stress and magnetism under pressures exceeding 30,000 times atmospheric pressure. These sensors leverage vacancies created by neutron radiation beams that knock boron atoms out of the boron nitride sheets, trapping electrons whose quantum spin states change in response to local magnetic fields, stress, or temperature. Unlike previous diamond-based quantum sensors, these two-dimensional boron nitride sensors are less than 100 nanometers thick, allowing them to be placed extremely close—within a nanometer—to the material under study, enhancing measurement precision under extreme conditions. To apply such high pressures, the team uses diamond anvils—tiny, durable flat surfaces about 400 micrometers wide—that compress the sample material. Initial tests demonstrated the sensors’ ability to detect subtle magnetic changes in two-dimensional magnets. Future plans include studying materials from high-pressure environments like Earth’s core to better understand geological phenomena
quantum-sensorsboron-nitridehigh-pressure-measurementmaterials-science2D-materialsmagnetism-detectionquantum-technologyHow quantum navigation could give militaries a backup when GPS fails
The article discusses the Pentagon’s efforts to develop quantum navigation systems as a resilient alternative to GPS, which is vital but vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. GPS, originally designed for military use during the Cold War, has become integral to both defense and civilian applications. However, its reliance on faint satellite signals makes it susceptible to interference, a weakness highlighted by recent incidents such as GPS disruptions over Bulgaria and ongoing jamming in conflict zones like Ukraine and the South China Sea. Traditional inertial navigation systems (INS) serve as a backup but suffer from cumulative errors over time, making them insufficient for precise, long-term navigation without GPS. To address this vulnerability, DARPA awarded $24.4 million to the Australian startup Q-CTRL under its Robust Quantum Sensors (RoQS) program to develop quantum navigation systems that do not depend on satellites and can function reliably in combat environments. These quantum sensors leverage the extreme sensitivity of atoms cooled and trapped by lasers to measure fundamental forces like acceleration and gravity with high precision
quantum-navigationDARPAGPS-alternativesmilitary-technologyquantum-sensorsnavigation-systemsdefense-technologyX-37B: US space plane launches on 8th mysterious military mission
The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B spaceplane was launched into low Earth orbit on its eighth secretive Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) mission, designated USSF-36, by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The launch occurred at 11:50 pm EDT, with the Falcon 9 first stage successfully landing nearby at Cape Canaveral. The X-37B, a 29-foot-long reusable spaceplane resembling a mini space shuttle, is designed to conduct classified sensor and technology experiments in orbit. Its current payload includes advanced technologies such as laser communications and a cutting-edge quantum inertial sensor, which enhances navigation capabilities in GPS-denied environments and holds promise for future long-distance space travel, including cis-lunar missions. During the OTV-8 mission, the X-37B will test laser communications and integrate with proliferated commercial satellite networks in low Earth orbit, potentially including SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. These demonstrations aim
IoTsatellite-communicationlaser-communicationsquantum-sensorsspace-technologymilitary-technologynavigation-systemsScientists levitate 300 million atoms at room temp for quantum purity
Researchers at ETH Zurich have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum physics by levitating a nano-cluster composed of three glass spheres, totaling 300 million atoms, at room temperature. Using an optical tweezer—a device that employs polarized laser light in a vacuum—they stabilized the cluster nearly motionless, effectively neutralizing gravity. Despite this, the cluster exhibited zero-point fluctuations, a quantum phenomenon where no object can be perfectly still, oscillating at one million deflections per second with movements measured at a thousandth of a degree. The team attributed 92% of the cluster’s motion to quantum effects, demonstrating an unprecedented level of quantum purity in such a large object without the need for cryogenic cooling. This achievement marks multiple records in precision and scale, as manipulating an object of this size quantum mechanically is notably challenging. Conducted at room temperature, the experiment offers a cost-effective and scalable platform for developing sensitive quantum sensors. These sensors have potential applications in navigation, medical imaging, and fundamental physics research, including
materialsquantum-physicsnano-glass-spheresoptical-tweezerlaser-levitationquantum-sensorsroom-temperature-quantum-effectsIn a first, transmon qubit achieves a coherence time of one millisecond
Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing by extending the coherence time of a superconducting transmon qubit to over one millisecond, with a median coherence time of about 0.5 milliseconds. This marks a new world record, significantly surpassing the previous best echo coherence times of around 0.6 milliseconds. The team accomplished this by using ultra-clean superconducting films, precise electron-beam lithography, and meticulous fabrication of Josephson junctions, all performed in a highly controlled cleanroom environment. Cooling the chip to near absolute zero and employing specialized low-noise amplifiers further preserved the qubit’s fragile quantum state. This advancement is crucial because longer coherence times allow qubits to perform more quantum operations before errors occur, enhancing the reliability and practicality of quantum computers. While this milestone is promising for the development of quantum sensors, simulators, and computers, scaling the technology to many qubits on a single chip with similar coherence remains a significant challenge. To
materialsquantum-computingsuperconducting-qubitstransmon-qubitcoherence-timequantum-technologyquantum-sensorsAustralian Navy tests quantum navigation to counter GPS spoofing
Australia’s Navy has successfully tested a quantum gravimetric navigation system developed by Q-CTRL, marking a significant advancement toward GPS-independent maritime navigation for defense purposes. The technology uses a quantum dual gravimeter to measure subtle variations in Earth’s gravity, allowing vessels to navigate by comparing these measurements to known gravity maps, effectively providing a GPS-free navigation method. This system was trialed aboard the Navy ship MV Sycamore for 144 hours under real maritime conditions without human interference, demonstrating reliable performance despite the ship’s motion and engine vibrations. The gravimeter is compact and energy-efficient, consuming only 180W of power, which is notably low for such advanced technology. The trials address a critical vulnerability in current navigation systems: GPS signal spoofing and denial, which have caused significant disruptions in commercial and military operations worldwide, including recent incidents in Middle Eastern waterways. GPS outages pose economic risks exceeding one billion dollars daily in the US alone, emphasizing the urgent need for robust alternatives. Quantum gravimetric navigation offers
quantum-navigationquantum-sensorsGPS-spoofingmaritime-navigationdefense-technologygravimetric-navigationquantum-technologyBreakthrough silicon chip fuses photonics and quantum generators
Researchers from Boston University, UC Berkeley, and Northwestern University have developed the world’s first integrated electronic–photonic–quantum chip using standard 45-nanometer semiconductor technology. This breakthrough device combines twelve synchronized quantum light sources, known as “quantum light factories,” on a single chip, each generating correlated photon pairs essential for quantum computing, sensing, and secure communication. The chip integrates microring resonators, on-chip heaters, photodiodes, and embedded control logic to maintain real-time stabilization of the quantum light generation process, overcoming challenges posed by temperature fluctuations and manufacturing variations. The innovation lies in embedding a real-time feedback control system directly on the chip, enabling continuous correction of misalignments and drift, which is critical for scalable quantum systems. The team successfully adapted quantum photonics design to meet the stringent requirements of a commercial CMOS platform, originally developed for AI and supercomputing interconnects. This collaboration demonstrates that complex quantum photonic systems can be reliably built and stabilized within commercial semiconductor
quantum-computingphotonicssemiconductor-technologyquantum-light-sourcesintegrated-circuitsquantum-sensorschip-manufacturingNew light trick keeps atomic spin stable 10x longer at room temp
Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Cornell University have developed a novel technique using a single, carefully tuned laser beam to significantly enhance the stability of atomic spins in cesium vapor at room temperature. This method reduces spin relaxation—a key challenge where atoms lose their magnetic orientation due to collisions and environmental noise—by nearly tenfold without the need for traditional approaches like magnetic shielding or cryogenic cooling. The laser light induces energy level shifts that synchronize the precession of atomic spins, effectively acting as a stabilizer that maintains coherence even under conditions of high magnetic fields and ambient temperatures. This breakthrough has major implications for quantum technologies, potentially enabling more compact, stable, and practical quantum devices such as magnetometers, quantum sensors, and navigation systems that do not rely on bulky or extreme environmental controls. The approach leverages light-induced “light shifts” to keep atomic spins aligned, improving quantum coherence times and making quantum systems more robust against noise. Published in Physical Review Letters, this advancement represents a simpler, scalable solution that
quantum-sensorsatomic-spinslaser-stabilizationquantum-coherencespin-relaxationquantum-technologyroom-temperature-quantum-devices