Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Quantum Sensing and Imaging

Quantum sensing applies the principles of quantum mechanics to enable extremely precise measurements of the very smallest magnetic fields and other physical quantities. A key concept here is electron spin − a quantum mechanical property of electrons that causes them to behave like small magnets. These spins can be influenced by external magnetic fields, resulting in measurable changes. One example of this can be found in quantum magnetometry with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds, something that Fraunhofer and others are currently working on. These NV centers make it possible to take optical measurements of electron spin states − with technology now so advanced that its first commercial applications are in use.

Quantum imaging uses entangled photons: In this case, one photon illuminates the object under investigation in the invisible wavelength range, while its entangled photon is detected by a camera in the visible spectrum, turning something that was previously invisible into something we can now see.

Where are quantum sensing and imaging used?

In medical diagnostics, for example, quantum sensors can significantly improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), increasing its sensitivity by a factor of 10,000 and thus enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses. In industrial material testing, quantum sensors can detect the tiniest material cracks or deformations without destroying the material. In the area of navigation, they enable precise positioning without GPS or can be used to monitor environmental parameters such as magnetic fields and gravitational fields.

Insights into Fraunhofer research

 

© Fraunhofer IAF

Quantum magnetometry for industry

Today’s magnetometers do not have sufficient spatial resolution or sensitivity for applications in fields such as biomedicine or material engineering. In the Fraunhofer lighthouse project QMag, researchers have investigated quantum sensors for specific industrial applications and made them more advanced.

 

© Fraunhofer IAF

Quantum magnetometers for highly sensitive material testing

Quantum-based sensors provide access to ever-increasing levels of accuracy and, as a result, to the observation and measurement of previously inaccessible processes. In ferromagnetic materials, for example, damage can be detected on the basis of local magnetization. For this purpose, Fraunhofer researchers rely on the use of optically pumped magnetometers.

 

© Fraunhofer IPM

Quantum sensors for flow measurement

Researchers at Fraunhofer IPM have developed a contactless flow measurement method based on magnetic fields. For the first time, they have been able to show the quantitative impact of the flow profile on the magnetic signal. This opens up new possibilities for improving the measurement method.

 

© lidiia; Irina Shi – stock.adobe.com; Fraunhofer IAF

Help for people with paralysis

In the NeuroQ project, researchers are developing diamond-based quantum sensors for brain-computer interfaces in order to increase the suitability of exoskeletons for everyday use by allowing users to control them more precisely.

 

© Fraunhofer IOF

Fighting cancer with quanta

In the QUANCER project, researchers are developing a new method of conducting cancer diagnostics. They are focusing on quantum imaging with non-detected light to precisely identify tumor tissue and generate chemically selective images. The aim is to improve infrared microscopy and diagnostic accuracy using entangled photons.