RA 5: Quantum Sensing | Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology

Research Area 5: Quantum Sensing

The field of quantum sensing exploits the inherently strong interaction of any quantum system with its environment. At its heart, it focuses on using these interactions to probe weak perturbations, providing unique approaches to transduce and amplify weak signals and thereby increase sensitivity, lower detectivity limits and enhance bandwidth.

Overarching goals in this research area are:

To understand the role of entanglement to enhance sensitivity and resolution.
To develop techniques to probe and to surpass quantum noise.
To transduce between quantum degrees of freedom with disparate energy scales.
To apply super-resolution methods to quantum-based imaging.

MCQST researchers in RA-5 develop quantum sensing methods that exploit quantum correlations and entanglement to enhance precision and sensitivity. This involves the use of a diverse array of systems, including many-body quantum states in 2D heterostructures, spin systems in solids, quantum light detection modules operating in the microwave and infrared ranges, as well as "hybrid platforms" coupling different quantum degrees of freedom. This includes quantum nano mechanical systems, optically addressable spin systems spin and superconducting quantum circuits. The approaches explored for sensing enable the identification of key physical properties that make these systems powerful sensors.

RA-5 naturally interfaces with other research areas in MCQST, including 2D heterostructures hosting many-body states ( RA-2, RA-4), spin platforms generating or detecting quantum light ( RA-3), and low-noise superconducting circuits with optimal control (RA-3). The sensing concepts are all grounded in new theoretical frameworks and methodologies developed in collaboration with RA-1 and RA-6.