Quantum sensing

Year of Quantum Across Canada Conference

Emily Martin — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:39:48 +0000

Year of Quantum Across Canada Conference Emily Martin Wed, 08/13/2025 - 15:39

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics will jointly host a conference celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the discovery of quantum mechanics.

The conference will celebrate and aim to strengthen the quantum information science community in Canada and beyond, by bringing together leading Canadian researchers as well as members of the broader quantum community. The program will highlight the fundamental advances being made in quantum information theory and how these advances lead to applications.

We will also be hosting a poster session on Tuesday, October 7 at IQC. Poster submissions are welcome and will be reviewed by the program committee. Some posters may be selected to present as a contributed talk.

Conference topics

Quantum metrology
Quantum simulation and quantum advantage
Quantum error-correction and fault tolerance
Quantum complexity and algorithms
Quantum communication and networks
Quantum cryptography
Quantum information in quantum matter and quantum gravity

Participation is open to all scientists who are interested in the conference topics.

Date

October 6 to 9, 2025

Location

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, PI/1-100 - Theatre

31 Caroline Street North, ��ݮ��Ƶ, Ontario, Canada, N2L 2Y5

Registration deadlines

In-Person registration closes: September 22 at 23:59 ET
Virtual registration closes: October 6 at 23:59 ET
Abstract submission closes: September 15 at 23:59 ET

Speakers

Christian Bauer - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Sergey Bravyi - IBM Research - Thomas J. Watson Research Center
Matthew Fisher - University of California, Santa Barbara
Masahito Hayashi - Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dakshita Khurana - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Aleksander Kubica - Yale University
Brian Swingle - Brandeis University
Yu-Xiang Yang - The University of Hong Kong

Co-Chairpersons

Marcela Carena - Perimeter Institute, University of Chicago, Fermilab
Norbert Lütkenhaus - University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, IQC

Scientific organizers and conveners

Alexandre Blais - Université de Sherbrook
Anne Broadbent - University of Ottawa
Shohini Ghose - Quantum Algorithms Institute
David Gosset - University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, IQC, Perimeter Institute
Tim Hsieh - Perimeter Institute
Raymond Laflamme - University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, IQC
Alex May - Perimeter Institute

Christine Muschik - University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, IQC, Perimeter Institute
John Preskill - CalTech
Barry Sanders - University of Calgary, Quantum City
Aephraim Steinberg - University of Toronto, CQIQC
Beni Yoshida - Perimeter Institute
Peter Zoller - University of Innsbruck, IQOQI
Sisi Zhou - Perimeter Institute

Got questions? We're here to help!

If you have questions about the call for abstracts with respect to your research, please contact Alex May.
Any logistical questions about the application process, the website or decision timelines should be directed to conferences@perimeterinstitute.ca or iqc.events@uwaterloo.ca.

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is proud to support IYQ Canada and the International Year of Quantum Science & Technology (IYQ).

IQC Student Summer Conference

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:25:32 +0000

IQC Student Summer Conference Takudzwa Chipo… Thu, 07/03/2025 - 14:25

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025 the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) will host the IQC Student Summer Conference.

This is a student-organized event that brings together students at IQC to share their research in a friendly setting. The conference aims to foster connections across different quantum research areas and provide a supportive environment for early-career researchers. All IQC members and guests are welcome to attend.

Organizers

Alec Gow, Devin Blankespoor, Jiayue Yang, Jingwen Zhu, Maria Rosa Preciado Rivas, Parinaz Rafati, Vyom Patel and Ziyuan Yang from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC).

Location

The IQC Student Summer Conference will be hosted in the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) Room 0101.

Schedule

Time	Topic	Presenter	Title
8:45 a.m.	Check-in - QNC 0101
9:15 a.m.	Opening remarks
9:30 a.m.	Relativistic Quantum Information	Ireneo James Membrere	An analysis of entanglement harvesting beyond perturbation theory
9:45 a.m.	Relativistic Quantum Information	Boris Ragula	Numerically solving high dimensional correlation functions in QFT
10:00 a.m.	Relativistic Quantum Information	Everett Avison Patterson	Unruh in Spacetime Superposition
10:15 a.m.	Relativistic Quantum Information	María Rosa Preciado Rivas	Simulating a superposition of spacetimes with optical media
10:30 a.m.	Coffee break
11:15 a.m.	Experimental Quantum Information	Jerome Wiesemann .	Evaluation of quantum key distribution systems against injection-locking attacks
11:30 a.m.	Theoretical Quantum Information	Alan Bu	Weight Enumerators: Stabilizer Codes and Beyond
11:45 a.m.	Theoretical Quantum Information	Sanchit Srivastava	Logical Bell inequalities, magic states, and lambda polytopes
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.	Lunch - St. Jerome's cafeteria
1:45 p.m.	Experimental Quantum Information	John Kim	Optimization of Millimeter-Wave Optomechanical Torque Sensors
2:00 p.m.	Quantum Information Implementations	Aodhan Corrigan	Key Rate Calculations for Dynamically Modulated Single Photon BB84
2:15 p.m.	Theoretical Quantum Information	Matthew Duschenes	Simulation of Noisy Quantum Systems with POVM-MPS Tensor Networks
2:30 p.m.	Theoretical Quantum Information	Bohdan Khromets	Exact voltage pulse engineering for the collective unitary control of semiconductor quantum dot spin qubit processors
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Poster session - QNC 2824 (Second floor kitchen)

Abstracts

Ireneo James Membrere

An analysis of entanglement harvesting beyond perturbation theory

A key prediction of quantum field theory that has yet to be tested experimentally is the existence of correlations between different regions in a quantum field. It is hypothesized that this phenomenon can be measured using the entanglement harvesting protocol, a process by which entanglement between detectors is induced due to their interaction with a quantum field in its vacuum state. Entanglement harvesting has been extensively researched using perturbative methods. However, experimental proposals for realizing this protocol using superconducting qubits utilize setups beyond the limits of perturbation theory. Furthermore, non-perturbative studies are very limited to particular scenarios often unfit for modeling the regimes of current experiments. Here we present results on entanglement harvesting using non-perturbative methods. We investigate the breakdown of perturbation theory as well as the non-perturbative behaviour of harvesting in realistic experimental regimes

Boris Ragula

Numerically solving high dimensional correlation functions in QFT

In this presentation, I show a memory efficient numerical method designed for use in high dimensional, time dependent partial differential equations. In particular, I will show how these methods are adapted for application to the correlation functions of a scalar quantum field, and how they can be used to numerically determine the solution to biscalar functions containing two independent time coordinates.

Everett Avison Patterson

Unruh in Spacetime Superposition

It is widely anticipated that a quantized theory of gravity will admit quantum spacetime configurations that are described by a superposition of semiclassical spacetimes. However, in the absence of such a complete theory of quantum gravity, can we learn anything about how such states might behave? Recent developments led by Foo et al., propose an operational approach to this problem by describing the response of a first-quantized two-level quantum detector coupled to a quantum-controlled superposition of spacetimes. Using this operational approach, we investigate what happens to an accelerated detector in such a superposition of spacetimes. We find that previously observed resonance peaks in the response function (occurring at rational values of the quantized spacetime parameter) are accentuated by the acceleration. Moreover, we provide the first explicit analysis of detector thermalization in superposed spacetimes. If time permits, I will comment on how this extension of the Unruh effect relates to previous work that found non-thermal responses for detectors travelling along superpositions of accelerated trajectories in a fixed spacetime.

María Rosa Preciado Rivas

Simulating a superposition of spacetimes with optical media

Superpositions of spacetimes have received considerable attention from the Relativistic Quantum Information community. The standard RQI protocol involves calculating the response of an Unruh-DeWitt detector that is coupled to a quantum field whose background spacetime exists in a quantum superposition of geometries. In this work, we propose a method to simulate such a superposition of spacetimes using optical media. The approach builds on the established analogy between the electromagnetic field in an arbitrary spacetime and the electromagnetic field in an equivalent optical medium. Since permittivity determines the speed of light propagation in an optical medium, controlling it allows us to mimic different spacetime geometries. By analyzing an optical cavity under quantum control—where its permittivity depends on the state of a quantum system—we analyze in-principle measurable quantities in a scenario describing a superposition of effective metrics. We draw analogies between our setup and the standard RQI protocol, and outline how such an approach could be used to simulate quantum superpositions of spacetimes in a laboratory setting.

Jerome Wiesemann

Evaluation of quantum key distribution systems against injection-locking attacks

While ideal quantum key distribution (QKD) systems are well-understood, practical implementations face various vulnerabilities, such as side-channel attacks resulting from device imperfections. To address these issues, one usually adjusts the security proof to incorporate the device imperfections or modifies the experimental implementation to patch the loophole. However, in the process of certifying QKD systems, evaluators must be able to verify that the manufacturer's claims are valid. For example, current security proofs for decoy-state BB84 protocols either assume uniform phase randomization of Alice’s signals, which can be compromised by practical limitations and attacks like injection locking, or rely on a (partially) characterized phase distribution. In this talk, I will present an experimental method to evaluate QKD systems against injection-locking attacks using a heterodyne detection setup, exemplifying the evaluation process. The methods presented are source-agnostic and can be used to evaluate general QKD systems against injection-locking attacks.

Alan Bu

Weight Enumerators: Stabilizer Codes and Beyond

First introduced by Jessie MacWilliams in her 1962 dissertation, weight enumerators are combinatorial objects that count the Hamming weight of codewords in classical error-correcting codes (and of stabilizers in quantum stabilizer codes). In 1998, Eric Rains used the weight enumerator framework to demonstrate that the distance of any quantum error-correcting code is at most 2⌊n/6⌋ + 2, building upon a series of works on classical weight enumerators by Sloane, Mallows, and Conway. Rains’ bound remains one of the best general distance bounds for quantum codes. Weight enumerators have found applications in quantum channel capacity, magic state distillation, and entanglement distillation. In this talk, we explore the intimate connections between weight enumerators, code distance, depolarizing channels, and quantum channel capacity.

Sanchit Srivastava

Logical Bell inequalities, magic states, and lambda polytopes

In this talk, we report on work in progress on the problem of unifying the graph-theoretic and logical view points of contextuality and the connections of these approaches to Lambda polytopes. Much of the motivation of this work stems from the fact that although all these approaches have been used with substantial success, the setting in which they are best applied differ vastly. Our starting point is the celebrated result by Howard et al. which established a connection between contextuality and magic state distillation. We provide an alternative proof of this result entirely using logical Bell inequalities. More precisely, we give a complete description of stabilizer measurements on 2-qudits and derive logical Bell inequalities which identify the faces of the simulable polytope of a single qudit. This approach is a step towards understanding a concrete connection between the logical and graph-theoretic points of view of contextuality and offers a way to relate them to Lambda polytopes.

John Kim

Optimization of Millimeter-Wave Optomechanical Torque Sensors

Coupling the small size and high-quality of nanomechanical resonators with low-loss electromagnetic cavities for efficient readout, cavity optomechanical systems have been used to realize exquisite sensors of quantities such as mass, force, and torque. However, owing to their low resonant frequencies, mechanical sensors are often limited by thermal noise. Therefore, reducing this noise and enhancing the coupling strength of a cavity optomechanical sensor is essential for improving its sensitivity. Recent efforts to cool infrared cavity optomechanical torque sensors have been limited by the thermal heating associated with these high energy measurement photons. Here we propose a method to circumvent these detrimental heating effects using a superconducting optomechanical torque sensor operating at mm-wave frequencies. To enhance the sensitivity of these devices, we adjust the geometry of the device to optimize its mechanical resonant frequency and moment of inertia. We perform simulations of various sensor geometries to assess their impact on the device’s torque sensitivity and coupling strength. From the simulation results, we identify the optimal configuration that simultaneously minimizes added noise and maximizes coupling strength. Future cavity-optomechanical torque sensors will be fabricated based off of these designs and measured in cryogenic settings, with the ultimate goal of reaching the standard quantum limit of optomechanical torque sensing.

Aodhan Corrigan

Key Rate Calculations for Dynamically Modulated Single Photon BB84

We demonstrate a full implementation of the BB84 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol using a high performance Purcell-enhanced semiconductor quantum dot source capable of deterministic single photon emission. We dynamically selected Alice's states used in the protocol using a custom built electro-optic modulator, driven by a random sequence from a quantum random number generator. This is achieved at an 80 MHz repetition rate, and we observe a mean photon number of 0.0013 with an anti-bunching value of 0.03. Through our setup, we achieve a low QBER of 2.9%. In order to demonstrate the performance of our protocol, we show viable key rates against both IID and coherent attacks by an eavesdropper using both state of the art numerical and analytic security proof techniques, while being able to consider device imperfections on both the source and detector sides. The viability of these results demonstrates the potential of deterministic photon sources for QKD, and bridges high-performance photonic hardware with rigorous security analyses.

Matthew Duschenes

Simulation of Noisy Quantum Systems with POVM-MPS Tensor Networks

Quantum systems, particularly those undergoing non-unitary dynamics, are difficult to simulate classically, and require careful consideration of the most appropriate representations of the involved quantum states and operators. When simulating noisy quantum circuits, or general quantum channels, considered approaches, including direct density matrix simulations, tensor-networks, and truncated operator expansions, have advantages and disadvantages at capturing various classical and quantum correlations that arise due to evolution times and noise scales. Here, we propose a novel simulation technique, where general quantum mixed states are represented in terms of their associated distributions of local, informationally-complete positive-valued-measurement outcomes (POVM), and such distributions are represented efficiently using Matrix Product States (POVM-MPS). Given the POVM-MPS now represent probability densities of measurements and not probability amplitudes of states, upon application of quantum channels, its bond dimensions are truncated using a combination of canonical singular value and novel non-negative matrix factorization methods, allowing efficient approximate evolution of such systems. To demonstrate these methods, we simulate several noisy quantum circuits, and characterize various fidelity and entanglement measures as a function of circuit depth and noise scale. Such studies highlight advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methods, and demonstrate that there exists underlying, persistent difficulties of non-unitary simulation that any numerical method will encounter.

Bohdan Khromets

Exact voltage pulse engineering for the collective unitary control of semiconductor quantum dot spin qubit processors

We present a method of voltage pulse design for the optimal control of spin qubits in a linear array of quantum dots. Voltage pulses are reverse-engineered from the voltage-dependent spin Hamiltonian parameters: g-factor deviations δgi(V, W) and exchange couplings Ji(V, W), when their pulse shapes S(t) are constrained to ensure time-ordered evolution. We show that a single numerical integration of a system of ODEs of type d[V, W]/dS = F(V, W) enables one to reconstruct voltage pulses Vi(S(t)), Wi(S(t)) for any shape function chosen for the spin Hamiltonian controls. The procedure yields pulses for single-qubit rotations in the global ESR field, SWAPk/2, or Control-Phase gates, with theoretically perfect unitary fidelities. We also present a strategy to systematically reduce the number of necessary voltage controls such as using a frequency-modulated rotating frame. These approaches open a pathway to simplifying experimental devices without compromising their controllability. Remarkably, the complexity of our method scales polynomially with the number of physical controls, which enables one to utilize it efficiently for the universal unitary control of large qubit arrays.

Code of conduct

The open exchange of ideas and the freedom of thought and expression are central to the aims and goals of the IQC Graduate Student Conference; these require an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every individual, that fosters dignity, understanding and mutual respect and that embraces diversity. The organizing committee is committed to fostering this environment; harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

All conference attendees, speakers and their guests at the IQC Graduate Student Conference are required to abide by the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Policy 33 (Ethical Behaviour).

IQC Student seminar featuring Adam Teixido-Bonfill

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:18:43 +0000

IQC Student seminar featuring Adam Teixido-Bonfill Takudzwa Chipo… Wed, 06/11/2025 - 09:18

Towards experimental entanglement harvesting in superconducting circuits

Adam Teixido-Bonfill

Entanglement harvesting is the surprising prediction that two quantum systems can become entangled by locally interacting with a quantum field, even if the two systems are far apart and never directly interact. Moreover, this can occur even if the field is in its vacuum state. In relativistic quantum information, entanglement harvesting is typically modeled using Unruh-DeWitt (UDW) particle detectors.

In this talk, we show how to extend the standard UDW detector model to better match a proposed realization of entanglement harvesting in superconducting circuits. The experiment consists of a pair of tunable superconducting qubits that interact with one-dimensional quantum fields (transmission lines). We investigate how these experimental features impact entanglement harvesting, paving the way to implement this protocol in the lab.

Location

QNC 1201

IQC Special seminar featuring Joanna Krynski

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:15:13 +0000

IQC Special seminar featuring Joanna Krynski Takudzwa Chipo… Wed, 04/02/2025 - 12:15

Quanta Image Sensor for Space Applications

Joanna Krynski | Centre National d'Études Spatiales

Photon counting has been identified as an area of interest in a multitude of sectors, including in defense and space applications. The quanta image sensor (QIS) is a promising emerging technology for ultra-low light imaging due to its extremely low dark current and deep sub-electron read noise. In space applications, radiation damage is a primary concern; it is not yet known how the photoelectron counting capability fairs in such a harsh environment.

The talk will introduce the QIS technology and its use-cases as compared with legacy photon-counting technologies such as single-photon avalanche diodes and electron-multiplying CCDs.

I will also present our results from radiation testing of a commercially available QIS camera, with particular emphasis on the sensor’s photon counting sensitivity.

Location

QNC 1201

PhD thesis defence - José Polo Gómez

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:29:14 +0000

PhD thesis defence - José Polo Gómez Takudzwa Chipo… Thu, 03/20/2025 - 09:29

Measurements of quantum fields with particle detectors

Candidate: José Polo Gómez

Supervisor: Eduardo Martin-Martinez

Location: QNC 2101, online

Abstract

This thesis aims to provide a working measurement theory for quantum fields built upon measurements using localized non-relativistic quantum systems, widely known as particle detectors.

In the first half of the thesis, we focus on using detector-based schemes to carefully formulate a measurement theory that is compatible with relativity. To do so, we provide a rigorous analysis of the causal behaviour of the induced non-selective channels, as well as an update rule that is consistent with relativistic causality. In the process, we establish a body of results, including a characterization of localized causal channels in real scalar QFT, and the formulation of a formalism that allows a consistent treatment of non-relativistic multipartite systems in relativistic setups.

In the second half of the thesis, we focus on verifying that the measurement theory formulated in the first part is a working measurement theory, meaning that it can actually be used in practice to measure specific targeted features of the quantum field. To ensure this, we introduce a measurement strategy where particle detectors always undergo the same measurement protocol---regardless of the quantity or feature of interest---and then are subjected to a tomography process. The resulting data is fed into a trained neural network that is capable of inferring the targeted quantity or feature from the detector's readings. This strategy has the potential to be applicable to measure any quantity of the field that is accessible through local measurements.

More tangentially, we also introduce a method beyond perturbation theory that uses trains of delta couplings to efficiently approximate the final state of a detector undergoing a continuous interaction. Additionally, we apply the detector-based measurement theory to analyze the effect of measurements on the protocol of entanglement harvesting.

World Quantum Day – Quantum Shorts: Encore

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:42:00 +0000

World Quantum Day – Quantum Shorts: Encore Takudzwa Chipo… Thu, 03/20/2025 - 08:42

Celebrate World Quantum Day with an IQC film experience!

As part of the International Year of Quantum, join us for a special screening of the Quantum Shorts Film Festival winners!

These short films bring quantum to life through imaginative storytelling—both narrative and abstract. As part of the screening curated panel of experts will provide additional insights and local context, connection quantum to the ��ݮ��Ƶ story in an engaging discussion.

Join us after for light refreshments and networking, where you can connect with fellow quantum enthusiasts.

Meet the panel

Christine Muschik | Panelist - faculty member, IQC
Kayleigh Platz | Moderator - director of communications and strategic initiatives, IQC
Fiona Thompson | Panelist - science outreach officer, IQC

Stay tuned as we’ll be adding more industry and academic speakers to this exciting discussion.

Location

Apollo Cinema
141 Ontario St N
Kitchener, ON, CA N2H 4Y5

Register

IQC Colloquium featuring Pieter Kok

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:32:00 +0000

IQC Colloquium featuring Pieter Kok Takudzwa Chipo… Thu, 03/06/2025 - 13:32

Quantum telescopes and quantum imaging

Pieter Kok | University of Sheffield - The Sheffield Quantum Centre

Quantum mechanics has revolutionised information processes like computing and communication. However, full-scale quantum networks and quantum computing are still years away. In the short term we can expect benefits from quantum technologies in the areas of sensing and metrology. In this talk I will explore how we can use quantum entanglement to improve telescopes.

I will consider mainly (distant) classical light sources that we are trying to characterise, rather than using highly engineered quantum light to probe systems of interest. I will give a brief overview of some relevant experiments that have shown an improvement in resolution and/or noise by adopting quantum technologies, and explore some of the open questions in the field.

Location

QNC 0101

Faculty of Science presents: Science in the City - Quantum

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:07:59 +0000

Faculty of Science presents: Science in the City - Quantum Takudzwa Chipo… Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:07

The 2025 International Year of Quantum recognizes 100 years since the development of quantum mechanics. Researchers at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ are at the forefront of quantum innovation, pushing the boundaries of discovery and positioning ��ݮ��Ƶ as a global leader in quantum research. Join us to celebrate the Year of Quantum by engaging with leading experts who share what’s next in quantum science!

The event is free. Light snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Meet the speakers

Jonathan Baugh(Chemistry)
Kazi Rajibul Islam(Physics & Astronomy)
Adam Wei Tsen(Chemistry)

��ݮ��Ƶ RQI seminar featuring Germain Tobar

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:29:27 +0000

��ݮ��Ƶ RQI seminar featuring Germain Tobar Takudzwa Chipo… Wed, 01/15/2025 - 15:29

Detecting single gravitons with quantum-controlled mechanical resonators

by Germain Tobar | Stockholm University

The quantization of gravity is widely believed to result in gravitons - particles of discrete energy that form gravitational waves. But their detection has so far been considered impossible. Here we show that signatures of single gravitons can be observed in laboratory experiments. We show that stimulated and spontaneous single graviton processes can become relevant for massive quantum acoustic resonators and that stimulated absorption can be resolved through optomechanical read-out of single phonons of a multi-mode bar resonator. We analyse the feasibility of observing a signal from the inspiral, merger and post-merger phase of a compact binary inspiral.

Our results show that single graviton signatures are within reach of experiments. In analogy to the discovery of the photoelectric effect for photons, such signatures can provide the first experimental evidence of the quantization of gravity.

[1] G. Tobar, S. K. Manikandan, T. Beitel, and I. Pikovski, Nature Communications, 15 7229 (2024)

[2] G. Tobar, Igor Pikovski, Michael E. Tobar, arXiv:2406.16898 (2024)

Location

QNC 1201
Zoom
- Meeting ID: 951 6176 4824
- Passcode: 744855

IQC Colloquium featuring Murray Holland

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:22:56 +0000

IQC Colloquium featuring Murray Holland Takudzwa Chipo… Tue, 10/22/2024 - 17:22

Programmable Atom Interferometry in a Multidimensional Optical Lattice

by Murray Holland | University of Colorado Boulder

The creation of a matter-wave interferometer can be achieved by loading Bose-Einstein condensed atoms into a crystal of light formed by interfering laser beams. By translating this optical lattice in a specific way, the traditional steps of interferometry can all be implemented, i.e., splitting, propagating, reflecting, and recombining the quantum wavefunction. Using this concept, we have designed and built a compact device to sense inertial signals, including accelerations, rotations, gravity, and gravity gradients.

This approach is interesting, since the atoms can be supported against external forces and perturbations, and the system can be completely programmed on-the-fly for a new design goal. I will report on experimental results in which atoms are cooled into a dipole trap and subsequently loaded into an optical lattice. Protocols for obtaining interferometry steps are derived via machine learning and quantum optimal control methods.

Implementing these in the lab, I will show our recent demonstrations of a vector accelerometer capable of sensitively deducing the magnitude and direction of an inertial force in a single shot. I will discuss our vision to use this platform for remote sensing of Earth as part of the recently founded NASA Quantum Pathways Institute.

Location

QNC 0101