Quantum sensors take the biggest roadblock for quantum computers—unwanted interference, or noise—and turn it into a strength. Noise wrecks quantum computers because the quantum states they use for computation are affected by the slightest disturbances from the environment. But quantum sensors use those disturbances to detect minuscule changes in magnetic and electric fields.
Amanda Stein, the CEO of Quantum Catalyzer (Q-Cat), is working to find meaningful markets for sensors based on quantum defects in diamond. IEEE Spectrumspoke with her about the challenges in doing so.
How can defects in diamonds be used as sensors?
Amanda Stein: Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are defects in specially grown diamonds where neighboring carbon atoms in the crystal lattice have been replaced by a nitrogen atom and a vacancy—a missing carbon atom. The NV defect allows for precise sensing because the NV exhibits excellent quantum behavior—discrete energy levels, spin, and the ability to absorb and emit individual photons—while protected by the robust diamond host. For example, a tiny change in magnetic field can shift the NV’s energy levels, which induces a measurable change in the rate of photons the NV emits.
How do you find industries that could benefit from quantum sensors?
Stein: We look for areas where diamond sensors can add value. The biggest areas are in rugged environments, because diamond is an extremely robust material. So industries like space, and oil and gas.
Diamond sensors don’t need a lot of calibration, and with some technological advancements could be made calibration free. So it could be good for long-term accuracy. And you can detect magnetic fields, temperature, pressure, potentially even gravity, with one sensor. In a rugged environment, it’s valuable to replace multiple sensors with just one.
What is your first spin-off, EuQlid, contributing to the semiconductor industry?
Stein: We’ve built something called the quantum diamond microscope, which can create an image of magnetic fields with micron-scale resolution over a wide field of view. It’s quite unique, especially when applied to the semiconductor world. Currents flowing within wires are producing magnetic fields, and we can trace these magnetic fields noninvasively. And we are able to see inside some new packaging techniques without using X-rays, which can be damaging.
What are some other industries in which quantum sensors could have an impact?
Stein: We’re exploring areas like artwork and high value objects. All paint has some magnetic properties, and with our extreme sensitivity, we potentially could see where paint is degrading, or maybe even where Van Gogh started something else and changed his mind along the way.
Another exciting area is in bio. One of the hypotheses that we have is that tumor cells carry a higher level of iron than healthy cells. So potentially, we could use our tools for pathology.
What’s next for quantum sensing?
Stein: We’re also looking into other materials, like silicon carbide and graphene.
I think as quantum sensing advances and starts providing more solutions, people will be more aware of what it can actually do. It still takes a lot of money and tech development, but it’s a lot more near term, in my opinion, than quantum computing.
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