In a groundbreaking collaboration between Germany’s Forschungszentrum Jülich and Korea’s IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience (QNS), a quantum sensor has been developed that has the capability to detect extremely minute magnetic fields at the atomic-length scale. This development represents a significant advancement in the field of quantum technology and holds great potential for various scientific disciplines.
The quantum sensor technology utilized by the research team is based on quantum mechanical phenomena, such as the spin of an electron or the entanglement of quantum states, to enable precise measurements at the atomic level. While several types of quantum sensors have been developed in recent years, the unique aspect of this new atomic-scale quantum sensor lies in the use of a single molecule as the sensing tool.
Unlike traditional sensors that rely on defects in crystal lattices for their functionality, this quantum sensor uses a single molecule attached to the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope. This allows the sensor to be brought within a few atomic distances of the object, providing an unprecedented level of spatial resolution for sensing electric and magnetic properties of atoms.
The lead author of the Jülich team, Dr. Taner Esat, has expressed excitement about the potential applications of this quantum sensor, comparing it to an MRI for quantum materials. The sensor not only provides rich images of materials but also sets a new standard for spatial resolution in quantum sensors. This breakthrough is expected to open up transformative avenues for engineering quantum materials, designing new catalysts, and exploring fundamental quantum behavior in molecular systems.
One of the key advantages of this atomic-scale quantum sensor is its energy resolution, which enables the detection of changes in magnetic and electric fields with a spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an ångström. Additionally, the sensor can be constructed and implemented in existing laboratories worldwide, making it accessible to researchers across different regions.
The development of this atomic-scale quantum sensor represents a significant milestone in quantum technology and is expected to have far-reaching implications in various scientific fields. By leveraging the unique properties of a single molecule as a sensing tool, the research team has realized a long-held dream of scientists to create an MRI-like tool for quantum materials. This achievement highlights the potential for further advancements in quantum sensing and paves the way for new research opportunities at the atomic level.
Leave a Reply