Atomic traffic control—researchers develop novel technology for more precise quantum sensors

Quantum sensors can be significantly more precise than conventional sensors and are used for Earth observation, navigation, material testing, and chemical or biomedical analysis, for example. TU Darmstadt researchers have now developed and tested a technique that makes quantum sensors even more precise.

What is behind this technology? Quantum sensors, based on the wave nature of atoms, use quantum interference to measure accelerations and rotations with extremely high precision. This technology requires optimized beam splitters and mirrors for atoms. However, atoms that are reflected in unintentional ways can significantly impair such measurements.

The scientists therefore use specially designed light pulses as velocity-selective atom mirrors, which reflect the desired atoms and allow parasitic atoms to pass through. This approach reduces the noise in the signal, making the measurements much more precise. The research is published in the journal Physical Review Research.

The technique is particularly important for the latest generation of quantum sensors: To further increase the sensitivity, the transfer of exceedingly high velocities is currently being explored, which, on the other hand, introduces additional parasitic atomic paths.

With the technique developed at TU Darmstadt by the research teams of Prof. Birkl and Prof. Giese, this unwanted side effect can be mitigated. Specific advantages for rapid implementation arise from the fact that the “dichroic mirror pulses” can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems.

This breakthrough enables researchers worldwide to push the limits of precision measurements and develop improved devices for both basic quantum-physics research and practical applications of quantum sensors.