Conference Description
Quantum sensing is a new quantum technology that utilizes quantum
coherence for ultrasensitive detection. It is particularly useful for sensing
weak signals in nanoscale measurements. Similar to quantum computation, quantum
sensing relies on initialization, control, and readout of quantum bits (i.e.,
qubits). While practical quantum computation needs control of many physical
qubits, quantum sensing requires control and measurement of only one or a few
qubits. Construction, control, and measurement of few-qubit systems have been
demonstrated feasible in many physical systems, thanks to the foundational
research for quantum computation. In particular, certain qubit systems (e.g.,
defect spins in diamond) have been shown to possess excellent quantum coherence
even at room temperature and in coupling with complex environments (such as in live
cells). Therefore quantum sensing is highly promising to be practically
applicable in the near future. Quantum sensing will offer unprecedented
sensitivity and resolution of measurement in a broad range of frontier studies,
such as condensed matter physics in nano-systems, nanoscale magnetic resonance
imaging, cellular dynamics in single cells, and even brain science.
The research of quantum
sensing will involve cross-disciplinary efforts. The technology relies on good
quantum coherence of qubits and hence critical is research on discovery and
engineering of novel quantum materials and advanced quantum control protocols.
Quantum sensing is to explore a broad range of target systems with
unprecedented sensitivity, resolution, and/or flexibility. The target systems,
often of nanometer sizes, can be of very different natures, being magnetic,
electrical, mechanical, thermal chemical, or biological. Therefore the research
of quantum sensing calls on not only knowledge of various disciplines
(condensed matter physics, biology, chemistry, nanotechnology, and quantum
physics, of course) but also expertise on integration of such a broad range of
target systems and quantum sensors. Such multi-disciplinary research will be
very challenging but nonetheless very rewarding. We expect this newly
established GRC on Quantum
Sensing will be a platform to coordinate the global
efforts to tackle the grand challenges in this field.
We, in a city of a
fantastic hybrid of eastern and western cultures, are looking forward to
meeting you, the world leaders in quantum sensing, the young generations joining
the field, and the interested from other fields looking for new research tools.
