Continuously Monitored Quantum Sensors: Smart Tools and Applications

Lead Research Organisation: University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Physics & Astronomy

Abstract

Acquiring and interpreting data about physical processes is vital for science and technology. The targeted breakthrough of the project "Continuously Monitored Quantum Sensors: Smart Tools and Applications" (C'MON-QSENS!) is to develop tools to interpret data acquired from quantum sensors. Indeed, quantum-enhanced ultra-precise sensors are among the most disruptive quantum technologies with near-term applications in several disciplines, but with a limited reach so far. Most efforts are devoted to the measurement of static properties by single-shot or repeated measurement schemes, while many real-world applications are concerned with dynamical signals. Extracting information from time-series of data needs sensors operating in the continuously monitored regime, and here is where the interdisciplinary approach of C'MON-QSENS! emerges. We aim to develop continuously monitored hot atomic ensembles and optomechanical devices, and we pursue their application in a collaboration with leading experimentalists and theory researchers in quantum information theory, statistical inference and classical signal processing. We will create a unique synergy to close the interdisciplinary gap, so modern methods of (classical) signal processing and data inference can be incorporated within the context of quantum metrology. The result will allow advanced sensing tasks to be explicitly demonstrated in experiments. We will both gain a deeper understanding of quantum information processing in the real-time regime, and develop practical approaches to quantum sensing and interpretation of real-time signals. C'MON-QSENS! will advance the current frontiers of fundamental and applied knowledge on continuously monitored quantum systems by:

A. Constructing advanced dynamical models to allow for an accurate description of real-time quantum sensors, including relevant decoherence mechanisms, non-linearities, sources of stochastic noise, and quantum back-action resulting from continuous-time measurements.

B. Developing (i) signal processing and statistical inference techniques (Bayesian filtering, compressed sensing, sequential analysis) for highly controlled scenarios when the quantum sensor and signal dynamics can be accurately modelled, and (ii) model-free machine learning methods for real-world complex scenarios. This will advance fundamental theory on continuously monitored quantum systems and provide ultimate bounds on the performance for the relevant sensing tasks.

C. Building quantum sensors based on continuously monitored atomic vapours and optomechanical systems. We will apply the dynamical models and inference techniques to optimize the sensors' operating regimes to allow tracking of real-life signals (e.g. neuron, brain, heart, and acceleration) and validate advanced sensing tasks such as wave-form estimation, model selection and change-point/anomaly detection.

Planned Impact

Below we discuss the impact on the areas of knowledge, society, economy and people.

Knowledge: This QuantERA project will contribute to the general knowledge within the field of Physics and the more specialized fields of quantum technology, quantum sensing and optical magnetometry. In the long run, the results of this project could also impact the fields of biomedicine, cardiology and neuroscience, as a long term goal for Jensen is to develop a novel quantum technology to be used for medical diagnostics. Jensen has already engaged in discussions with experts in cardiology and also the neuroscience community is excited about optical magnetometers as exemplified by the big interest in the topic at the recent International Conference on Biomagnetism (Biomag2018).

Society: In the long run, this project will impact the medical sector as the developed methods can potentially be used for non-invasive diagnostics of heart and brain diseases. In particular cardiology departments and people suffering from heart diseases will benefit from this project. Jensen will also create awareness of science and quantum physics amongst the general public. For example, while working at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Jensen has several times showed the quantum physics lab to the general public during Copenhagen Culture Nights. Jensen will engage with the public for instance by getting involved in events such as the "Wonder" family festival organized by the University of Nottingham and the "Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity" which has the University of Nottingham as a partner.

Economy: The methods developed in this project may in the long run lead to a novel medical device for non-invasive diagnostics heart diseases. Such a device will of course have a large economic value as there currently are no non-invasive methods for diagnosing atrial fibrillation.
Jensen will investigate the commercial potential of the optical magnetometers (based on hot atomic Cesium vapour) and the methods and techniques developed in this QuantERA proposal. Potential routes for commercialising include obtaining proof-of-concept funding for an out-of-the-lab demonstrator, engaging in partnerships with medical doctors and/or companies specializing in electromagnetic or medical instrumentation, and spinning out a start-up company.

People: Quantum Technology is recognised as an upcoming technology which will create employment and growth and training of a highly-skilled workforce who can contribute to the development of this technology is highly valuable for society. Jensen will mentor the postdoc who will be funded by this QuantERA project. Several undergraduate students will do smaller projects in the Jensen's lab and will also be trained in quantum physics and technology.
 
Description In this early stage stage of the project, we have constructed the optical setup to be used for real-time quantum sensing of magnetic fields. We have investigated the optimal operating temperature of optically pumped magnetometers using laser spectroscopy methods. We found that a lower temperature around 50 degC could be advantageous compared to the much higher typical operating temperatures of 150-200 degC.

We have investigated how to construct and build practical optically pumped magnetometers. Key findings include that one can use a single laser beam and readily available alkali vapour cells. We have also demonstrated that our optically pumped magnetometer can be operated in ambient conditions (as opposed to only working inside a magnetically shielded room) while still achieving a good magnetic field sensitivity.
Exploitation Route A lower operating temperature of optically pumped magnetometers leads to less power consumption and less heating, things which are important for most applications, e.g. within healthcare and defense. The results could be taken forward by other academics (in Physics) or manufacturers of optically pumped magnetometers.

Practical optically pumped magnetometers can be used for medical imaging of for example the heart. We are collaborating with medical researchers for developing this application.

Furthermore, sensitive magnetometers are also useful for defense and security applications, for example for detection of unexploded ordnance. Our research could therefore be beneficial for the UK defense industry who could take our technology forward.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Healthcare

 
Description The results from this research have led to a collaboration with the external company Ultra Maritime with the goal of developing a field-deployable magnetic field sensor. A prototype is developed together with the external partner, who will conduct field trials. While the intended application is at the stage of a proof-of-principle and performance analysis, it is expected that a future product will result from this collaboration.
First Year Of Impact 2023
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Impact Types Societal

Economic

 
Description Novo Nordisk Exploratory Synergy Programme
Amount 5,000,000 kr. (DKK)
Organisation Novo Nordisk 
Sector Private
Country Denmark
Start 05/2021 
End 05/2024
 
Description QuantERA C'MON-QSENS! consortium 
Organisation Aarhus University
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise on optical magnetometers
Collaborator Contribution Expertise on theoretical quantum information science and real time quantum sensing
Impact Exchange of knowledge on quantum sensing -theory and experiment
Start Year 2020
 
Description QuantERA C'MON-QSENS! consortium 
Organisation Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
Country Spain 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise on optical magnetometers
Collaborator Contribution Expertise on theoretical quantum information science and real time quantum sensing
Impact Exchange of knowledge on quantum sensing -theory and experiment
Start Year 2020
 
Description QuantERA C'MON-QSENS! consortium 
Organisation Chalmers University of Technology
Country Sweden 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise on optical magnetometers
Collaborator Contribution Expertise on theoretical quantum information science and real time quantum sensing
Impact Exchange of knowledge on quantum sensing -theory and experiment
Start Year 2020
 
Description QuantERA C'MON-QSENS! consortium 
Organisation University of Warsaw
Country Poland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise on optical magnetometers
Collaborator Contribution Expertise on theoretical quantum information science and real time quantum sensing
Impact Exchange of knowledge on quantum sensing -theory and experiment
Start Year 2020
 
Description QuantERA C'MON-QSENS! consortium 
Organisation Weizmann Institute of Science
Country Israel 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise on optical magnetometers
Collaborator Contribution Expertise on theoretical quantum information science and real time quantum sensing
Impact Exchange of knowledge on quantum sensing -theory and experiment
Start Year 2020
 
Description University of Copenhagen collaboration 
Organisation University of Copenhagen
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Expertise on optical magnetometers
Collaborator Contribution Expertise on quantum physics (by partners from the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen) and biomedicine/cardiology (by partners from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Dep. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen)
Impact Exchange of knowledge on experimental quantum physics, optical magnetometry and cardiology.
Start Year 2021
 
Description CMONS2023 workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A collaboration wide workshop was held at the university of Warsaw, co-organised by K. Jensen. The workshop included the engagement of international postgraduate working in related fields and local undergraduate students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://cmons2023.cent.uw.edu.pl/