Capacitation of Quantum-Entangled NV-Center Sensing

Project Information

C-QuENS

Grant agreement ID: 101135359

DOI

10.3030/101135359

EC signature date 20 October 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2027

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 2 999 990,00

EU contribution

€ 2 999 990,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE CARTAGENA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - C-QuENS (Capacitation of Quantum-Entangled NV-Center Sensing)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

C-QuENS is designed to push the boundaries of quantum sensing—a cutting-edge technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to measure physical quantities with extraordinary precision. Unlike conventional sensors, which rely on classical physics, quantum sensors exploit phenomena like entanglement and superposition to detect minute changes in magnetic fields, temperature, or pressure, often at the atomic or molecular level. This makes them especially valuable in fields where sensitivity and accuracy are critical, such as medical diagnostics, semiconductor testing, and environmental monitoring. C-QuENS focuses on a specific type of quantum sensor based on NV (nitrogen-vacancy) centers in diamond, which are tiny defects in the diamond lattice that can be manipulated to act as highly sensitive quantum probes. The project aims to develop new sensing protocols that use entangled states and many-body quantum dynamics to significantly enhance performance beyond what is currently possible. These protocols will be supported by advanced quantum control techniques and signal processing methods, and tested in laboratory settings using multi-qubit systems. In addition to scientific innovation, C-QuENS is committed to translating its breakthroughs into practical technologies, bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. It also plays a strategic role in strengthening Europe’s position in the global quantum landscape by training future experts, contributing to policy discussions, and supporting the development of a robust European supply chain for diamond-based quantum sensors. Through these efforts, C-QuENS not only advances fundamental science but also lays the groundwork for transformative technologies that can benefit society at large.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first reporting period of the C-QuENS project, significant technical and scientific progress was achieved across all work packages. In the domain of quantum-grade diamond materials, the consortium successfully produced diamond samples with coherence times exceeding 2 milliseconds, developed fluorinated surfaces with reactivity for nucleophilic substitution, and fabricated NV pairs with controlled spacing using molecular ion implantation. These advances are foundational for building entangled NV-based quantum sensors. Theoretical efforts led to the development of novel control protocols for single and two-qubit gates, suppression of unwanted dipolar interactions, and new methods for calculating quantum Fisher information in noisy environments. These protocols were experimentally validated and extended to multi-qubit systems, enabling high-fidelity entanglement generation and enhanced sensing capabilities.
Laboratory demonstrations included nanoscale NMR detection with single-cell resolution, atomic-scale magnetic imaging using phase-modulated dynamical decoupling, and scanning gradiometry for background-free magnetic field mapping. The project also achieved sensitive temperature sensing in living cells and extended NV sensing to cryogenic conditions and high magnetic fields. Hybrid quantum sensing was demonstrated using nuclear spin systems coupled to NV centers, and a demonstration lab was established to showcase these technologies under realistic conditions. Collectively, these achievements mark substantial progress toward the project's goal of developing entanglement-enhanced quantum sensors and validating their performance across diverse application scenarios.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The C-QuENS project has delivered a range of promising scientific and technical results that position it as a key contributor to the advancement of quantum sensing in Europe. These include the successful fabrication of high-coherence NV centers in diamond, the development of entanglement-based sensing protocols, and the demonstration of multi-qubit quantum registers and nanoscale sensing platforms. These achievements not only validate the feasibility of quantum-enhanced sensing but also lay the groundwork for future applications in fields such as biomedical diagnostics, semiconductor testing, and environmental monitoring.
To ensure further uptake and long-term success, several key needs have been identified. Continued research and development is essential to refine sensing protocols, improve material quality, and scale up device integration. Demonstration activities under realistic conditions must be expanded to validate performance in industrial and clinical environments. Access to markets and finance will be critical for transitioning from prototypes to commercial products, requiring engagement with venture capital, public funding instruments, and strategic industry partnerships. Support for intellectual property management and standardisation frameworks will help protect innovations and facilitate interoperability across platforms.