Quantum Sensors and Measurement
Brian Saam uses atoms in high magnetic fields to Brian Saam’s research group works on spin physics and magnetic resonance in alkali-metal vapors and noble gases, with applications to magnetometry and magnetic resonance imaging.
Quantum sensors promise advantages over classical sensors in measuring fields, forces, and time. Their design and fabrication are pursued in Yefeng Mei’s lab. Rydberg sensors are an emerging technology that promises a breakthrough for the detection of broadband RF and microwave signals, from DC to THz with orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity compared to dipole antenna. Mei plans to build up a laser-cooled- and-trapped atomic Rydberg sensing system integrated with photonic circuits for low-noise portable Rydberg electrometer. Such sensors might be useful for detecting stray electromagnetic fields in LIGO, which generate unwanted forces and torques, and can adversely affect detector sensitivity.
Praveen Sekhar, at the Vancouver Campus, has research interests in quantum sensing, and the internet of things, involving integration of sensors and antennas. Quantum sensors require calibration far less frequently and are one to two orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional technology, enabling measurements that are more granular and accurate. The goal of his project is to advance food safety through the development of electrochemical quantum sensors, by investigating the feasibility of electrochemical tunnelling sensor to precisely detect biogenic amines to indicate spoilage in cold storage foods. Educating undergraduate students on quantum principles forms the core of the project.