Quantum Microwave Detection with Diamond Spins

Introduction

Microwave detection is one of the most widely spread technologies in our society, spanning across areas as diverse as telecommunications, computers, radio-astronomy, navigation and air traffic control, spectroscopy, and medical diagnostics.

Emerging Applications

In this proposal, we address emerging and advanced microwave (MW) applications that start from the same basis – a need for ultrasensitive detection with a high spectral resolution, and, in addition, requesting portable integrated instruments. Emerging quantum technology devices acting as sensors can lead to a major breakthrough in the application field through high sensitivity and frequency resolution.

Project Overview

In QuMicro, we propose to develop a quantum technology for the next generation of microwave detection devices, surpassing the capabilities of all currently available methods. The devices will enable the rapid measurement of the frequency, amplitude, and phase of microwave fields.

Technical Achievements

We will achieve extremely fast (nanosecond-scale) transient detection, a broad detection range spanning tens of gigahertz, and parts-per-million frequency resolution with ultrahigh sensitivity. The QuMicro system is based on a novel detection scheme and on the pioneering innovation concept of photoelectrically detected magnetic resonance with nitrogen-vacancy colour centre qubits in diamond, as a highly performant platform for microwave signal detection at room temperature.

Development Framework

We will start our developments from a theoretical framework for quantum microwave sensing protocols and devices, leveraging schemes based on many-body quantum correlations, implemented in QuMicro engineered devices.

Collaboration and Compatibility

To achieve these goals, QuMicro will connect with scientists and engineers across a broad range of topics. The photoelectrical readout guarantees compatibility with scalable semiconductor electronics, providing a direct outlook towards commercial applications and a science-to-technology leap for microwave sensors with unrivalled performance.