A novel room temperature quantum sensor for magnetic fields

量子光磁强计（QOM）是一种量子磁传感器。它们是缓解医学磁共振成像（MRI）和核磁共振（NMR）光谱学等磁感应应用（例如用于原油分析和药物开发）挑战的主要候选者。现有QOM的灵敏度有限。这种限制源于缺乏合适的紫外激光器，需要降低性能的红外敏感剂。我们提出了一种新的QOM方法，该方法由我们开发的新型激光技术（强大的紫外频率梳激光器）实现。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。进一步的改进有望通过量子协议的实现利用纠缠，如自旋压缩。我们将开发这个QOM的原型，并进行量子磁传感的原理证明演示。开发过程还将有助于培养量子传感新兴领域的高素质人才。此外，我们将利用阿尔伯塔大学技术转让服务进行发明披露，并作为阿尔伯塔省工业合作伙伴的联络人。预期的结果是增强了在现实环境中的能力，降低了成本和足迹，减轻了利用磁传感器应用的环境限制。其中包括用于油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，收入将通过许可和/或出售拟议的技术产生。最后，开发这里提出的量子传感和存储平台将加强阿尔伯塔省的量子生态系统和量子技术的领导地位。

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.