A novel room temperature quantum sensor for magnetic fields

量子光学磁强计(QOM)是一种量子磁传感器。它们是缓解磁感应应用中的挑战的主要候选者，例如医用磁共振成像(MRI)和核磁共振(核磁共振)谱，例如用于原油分析和制药开发。现有的QOM具有有限的敏感性。这一限制源于缺乏合适的紫外线激光器，需要使用降低性能的红外敏感剂。我们提出了一种新的QOM方法，这是由我们开发的新激光技术(强大的紫外线频率梳状激光器)实现的。这种室温方法有望大大超过最先进的磁传感灵敏度，包括低温系统的灵敏度。利用纠缠实现量子协议，例如自旋压缩，有望得到进一步的改进。我们将开发一个这种量子模型的原型，并进行量子磁传感的原理证明。这一开发过程还将有助于培养新兴量子传感领域的高素质人才。此外，我们将利用艾伯塔大学的技术转让服务进行发明披露，并作为与艾伯塔省行业合作伙伴的联系。最终成果是增强现实环境中的能力，减少成本和占用空间，并缓解使用磁性传感器的应用的环境限制。这些包括用于油类分析和药物开发的医用核磁共振扫描仪和核磁共振光谱仪，此外，还将通过授权和/或销售拟议的技术来获得收入。最后，开发这里提出的量子传感和存储平台将加强艾伯塔省的量子生态系统和在量子技术方面的领先地位。

Quantum optical magnetometers (QOM) are quantum magnetic sensors. They are leading candidates for mitigating challenges in magnetic sensing applications such as medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, e.g., for crude oil analysis and pharmaceutical development. Existing QOM have limited sensitivity. This limitation stems from the absence of suitable ultraviolet lasers, necessitating infrared-sensitive agents that degrade performance.We propose a new QOM approach, enabled by novel laser technology that we develop (powerful ultraviolet frequency comb lasers). This room temperature method is expected to greatly exceed state of the art magnetic sensing sensitivity, including that of cryogenic systems. Further improvement is anticipated by implementation of quantum protocols utilizing entanglement, such as spin squeezing.We will develop a prototype of this QOM and carry out proof of principle demonstrations of quantum magnetic sensing. The development process will also serve to train highly qualified personnel in the emerging field of quantum sensing. Furthermore, we will utilize the University of Alberta Technology Transfer Services for invention disclosures and as a liaison to industry partners in Alberta.Anticipated outcomes are enhanced capabilities in real-world settings, cost and footprint reduction, and alleviation of environmental constraints for applications that utilize magnetic sensors. These include medical MRI scanners and NMR spectrometers for oil analysis and pharmaceutical development.Furthermore, revenue would be generated through licensing and/or selling of the proposed technology. Finally, developing the quantum sensing and memory platform proposed here will strengthen Alberta's quantum ecosystem and leadership position in quantum technology.