Quantum sensing : From the inner workings of cells to the outer limits of the universe

Quantum sensors exploit properties of matter at the smallest scales — like those of electrons and atoms — to measure quantities such as temperature, distance and magnetic fields with unprecedented sensitivity and precision. By detecting phenomena that classical sensors cannot, quantum sensors open new possibilities in medical imaging, navigation, underground mineral detection and more. U.S. National Science Foundation investments are helping turn advances in quantum sensing into practical technologies for science, medicine, manufacturing and national security. What are quantum sensors? Quantum sensors use properties of matter at the molecular, atomic and subatomic scales to measure physical quantities, including magnetic fields, electric fields, temperature, pressure, position and time, with…