QUESCA · Quantum Enhanced Sensing with Cold Atoms

Quantum Enhanced Sensing with Cold Atoms

Atom sensors based on ultra-cold atoms have demonstrated great potential for fundamental science and technological applications. In the vast majority of these sensors, the system variable that contains the useful information can be mapped into the atom number variable. Uncertainty in the initial atomic population is directly translated into sensing imprecision, limiting the performance of the sensor. A major challenge that the field of cold-atoms has yet to overcome is the preparation of the atomic ensemble with precisely known and controlled atom number. Furthermore, in order to fully exploit the potential of cold atoms, the preparation of the atomic cloud should preserve quantum correlations, so that quantum resources can be harnessed. The overarching goal of the project is to develop a robust technique for measuring the number of atoms in a minimally disturbing way, without increasing the temperature of the atomic cloud and without destroying quantum correlations. This measurement will be used to prepare an ultra-cold cloud with atom number uncertainty significantly reduced compared to the typical precision that can be achieved so far. Achieving a resolution better than the atom shot noise with such a minimally-perturbing measurement will lead to the creation of non-classical atomic states, with properties that offer quantum-enhanced sensitivity. A wide range of instruments that play an important role in the modern civilization can profit from developments in the field of cold atoms. Time-keeping atomic clocks, inertial sensors for navigation or seismography and gravitometers for geophysics exploration are applications that will benefit from sensitivity enhancement of cold-atom sensors. In addition, similar improvements may lead to more precise experiments for the study of quantum systems, advancing our understanding of the universe.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз