Project description
Space for improvement in the quantum metrology of time and frequency
Throughout history, humankind has developed systems of measurement to quantify things as varied as the distribution of crops, the distance between cities and the weight of tradable commodities. When it comes to time, we have progressed from sundials to hourglasses, pendulums and atomic clocks. Accurate measurements and comparisons rely on standardised units – we must know quite precisely what corresponds to one unit of measurement to derive the rest. Quantum metrology is based on quanta or packets of energy, the standardised unit, and the use of quantum effects such as entanglement to extend precision beyond that possible with classical approaches. The EU-funded STORMYTUNE project is developing a new quantum way to measure time and frequency based on spatial separations rather than classical time-based phases. The development of novel devices will demonstrate the concept’s ability to surpass the performance of classical methods.
Objective
Metrology explores the most efficient and precise way to perform measurements. This established area of study has
considerable impact on our everyday lives. A GPS would not work without the capability to measure distances precisely, and
spectral fingerprinting is an established technique to identify e.g. drugs. Better timing measurements could improve the
performance of GPS and laser ranging; better frequency resolution could help to identify more substances more quickly.
To explore more precise measurements, we can use quantum metrology. We can exploit the counterintuitive behaviour of
quantum objects to perform measurements with better accuracy compared to classical methods. For example, using
superposition, where the cat is both dead and alive; or entanglement, where objects are interwoven more tightly than
classically allowed.
Quantum metrology currently focusses on measuring phases, with only few works considering spatial separations. We will
take a new approach in considering time and frequency. STORMYTUNE’s time-frequency quantum metrology technology
toolbox will comprise two main elements.
We will develop a theory framework that will help us define the fundamental limitations of our idea, putting special emphasis
on implementing tailored quantum measurements. The goal being to outperform classical strategies and thus find immediate
applications, something that hasn’t been achieved in metrology to date.
We will build devices and prototypes that have functionality. We will demonstrate spectroscopy – frequency measurements –
with a resolution beyond classical limits. Further, we will implement compressed sensing techniques for the resource efficient
characterisation of time and frequency distributions of quantum light.
The STORMYTUNE consortium comprises world leading scientific and industry partners, who are ideally positioned to
achieve the ambitious vision of this project and build a state of the art time-frequency quantum metrology technology toolbox.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
33098 Paderborn
Germany