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Phononic Quantum Sensors

Project description

Ultracoherent phononic resonators for quantum sensors, networks

We use today more quantum-engineered nanoelectronic devices than ever before. But they need higher quality and functionality, with advances from quantum mechanics research and technology. For this purpose, the EU-funded PHOQS project will build on the latest studies on measuring and controlling motion with precision on all levels of the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics rules to develop mechanical systems of unprecedented coherence, under full optomechanical quantum control. To that point, it will also enable newly invented thin membranes with a special ‘phononic’ pattern of perforations, whose vibrations can be controlled precisely. The project will have an enormous impact on quantum research and applications in technology.

Objective

In this project, we will develop mechanical systems of unprecedented coherence under full optomechanical quantum control. At the same time, these systems provide a versatile and practical platform for force measurements and sensing. This novel and unique combination generates a host of opportunities in science and technology, ranging from fundamental tests of quantum decoherence and highly non-classical mechanical sensor states, to new kinds of mechanical quantum transducers.
These advances will be enabled by recent pioneering work of my group in the area of phononic engineering, that is, tailoring the phononic density of states in periodic geometries. In combination with state-of-the-art cryogenic refrigeration, we will achieve coherence times of mechanical quantum states at the level of one second, challenging existing models for mechanical state collapse. We will implement cavity-optomechanical interfaces to these systems which operate deeply in the quantum regime, and by themselves find applications as narrow, noiseless filters sought-after for gravity wave detectors. Furthermore, we will harness purely mechanical parametric interactions as a new resource. This allows noiseless gain immediately in the sensing device, and the preparation of highly nonclassical sensor states, such as strongly squeezed and entangled states. To demonstrate the sensing capabilities of this platform, we will functionalize it magnetically, and perform real-time measurements of single electron spins. We will resolve the split of the mechanical wavefunction as it interacts with a spin in a superposition state, and eventually prepare mechanical Schrödinger cat states, never generated before with a massive, millimetre-sized object visible to the naked eye. At a practical level, this project catalyses the experimental convergence of spin sensing and quantum optomechanics, with synergistic effects both for magnetic resonance imaging at the molecular scale and spin-based quantum networks.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2020-COG

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Host institution

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 976 164,00
Address
NORREGADE 10
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark

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Region
Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 976 164,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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