Abstract Quantum sensing provides advanced technologies which significantly improve sensitivity and accuracy for sensing changes of motion, gravity, electric and magnetic field. Therein, quantum sensors for the detection of magnetic fields, so-called quantum magnetometers, are one of the most promising technological realizations. We firstly will provide a brief overview on methods in geophysical exploration benefitting from quantum magnetometers with resolution at the physical and technical limit. We will introduce recent developments on SQUID and OPM based sensors as specific implementations of a quantum magnetometer systems and application examples.
Abstract Quantum sensing provides advanced technologies which significantly improve sensitivity and accuracy for sensing changes of motion, gravity, electric and magnetic field. Therein, quantum sensors for the detection of magnetic fields, so-called quantum magnetometers, are one of the most promising technological realizations. We firstly will provide a brief overview on methods in geophysical exploration benefitting from quantum magnetometers with resolution at the physical and technical limit. We will introduce recent developments on SQUID and OPM based sensors as specific implementations of a quantum magnetometer systems and application examples.
Quantum-based sensing and measurement technology is a disruptive technology that can realize fine detection of the gravity and magnetic fields in deep Earth, and it has become a key development direction for geophysical exploration equipment worldwide. This study focuses on the frontier technologies for the quantum-based high-precision measurement of Earth’s gravity and magnetic fields, summarizes the development status of quantum-based geophysical exploration equipment, and analyzes demand for the superconducting quantum-based electromagnetic detection system, magnetic vector gradient detection system, superconducting gravity detection system, and cold-atom absolute-gravity exploration system during deep resource exploration. Moreover, the international trend of quantum-based high-precision measurement technology as well as the development opportunities and challenges in this field are analyzed. To improve the core technology research, complete localization, and exploration application of quantum-based geophysical exploration equipment in China, we propose the development goals, technical system, key tasks, and strategic planning for a new generation of quantum-based high-precision deep geophysical exploration equipment. This aims to achieve breakthroughs in superconducting quantum chips and high-sensitivity sensors, establish a collaboration model for the independent development of China’s quantum-based geophysical exploration equipment, promote the high-quality development of deep exploration equipment, and provide strategic support for solving major problems associated with deep mineral resource exploration and revealing of Earth’s deep structure.
Quantum sensors and metrology harness quantum phenomena—such as superposition, entanglement, and squeezing—to achieve precision measurements beyond classical limits. This review presents an overview of the fundamental principles underlying quantum sensing, including quantum coherence, entanglement-assisted measurement, and quantum-enhanced interferometry. Various quantum sensor platforms are discussed, including atomic clocks, nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center magnetometers, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), optomechanical sensors, and trapped-ion systems. We explore their operational mechanisms, performance metrics, and technological implementations. Comparative analyses highlight sensitivity, spatial resolution, bandwidth, and environmental robustness. Advances in materials, control techniques, and hybrid architectures are examined, and emerging applications in navigation, geophysics, medical imaging, and fundamental physics are reviewed. Finally, future prospects for scalable and robust quantum metrology are discussed.
Abstract This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key materials underpinning quantum technologies, including two-dimensional system (2D), superconducting materials, and nitrogen-vacancy (NV − ) centers in diamond. Particular emphasis is placed on their roles in quantum sensing, communication, and qubit design. Quantum sensors, such as atomic vapor magnetometers, solid-state spin sensors, and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) circuits, have become essential tools for measuring magnetic fields and detecting physical phenomena at extremely small scales. These technologies, with diverse applications ranging from medicine and geophysics to biotechnology and materials science, offer new opportunities for detecting and measuring nanoscale phenomena and are poised to play a key role in the future of quantum technologies.
Quantum sensors have revolutionized the field of precision measurement by exploiting quantum coherence, entanglement, and interference. These sensors offer unprecedented sensitivity in measuring time, magnetic and electric fields, acceleration, and gravitational forces. Recent developments in atomic clocks, nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center magnetometers, and optomechanical devices have shown significant enhancements in performance. This paper explores the fundamental principles behind quantum sensors, key technological advancements, and real-world applications ranging from navigation to medical imaging and gravitational wave detection.
As one of the fundamental properties of matter, magnetic fields have extensive application value in fields such as military, medical, and industrial sectors. High-sensitivity magnetic field measurement technology is crucial for exploring the physical world, ensuring national security, and promoting industrial development. Traditional magnetic sensors based on classical physics principles, such as fluxgate and Hall effect sensors, have become increasingly difficult to meet growing demands in terms of sensitivity, volume, and power consumption. In contrast, atomic magnetometers based on quantum effects utilize the interaction between atomic spins and external magnetic fields for measurement, offering advantages such as high sensitivity, no requirement for cryogenic cooling, and the capability for absolute measurement, making them a novel type of magnetic sensor that has received significant attention in recent years. In particular, the development of chip-scale atomic magnetometers, through technologies such as Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), has significantly reduced the volume and power consumption of atomic magnetometers, enabling them to demonstrate tremendous application potential in fields such as ocean exploration, biomedical applications, and geological exploration. This paper will review the technological advances of high-sensitivity chip-scale atomic magnetometers, with a focus on discussing the latest achievements in their miniaturization and small-scale research.
The ability to measure the magnetic fields around celestial bodies enables various insights into processes and phenomena deep within such bodies.The use of magnetometry in space missions dates back to the 1950s, and a number of different technologies have been used to measure these fields, ranging from fluxgates to Anisotropic Magneto Resistance (AMR) sensors.Optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) represent the state-of-the-art in magnetic field sensitivity. 1 Such sensors rely upon the interaction of laser light to spin polarise a warm vapour of neutral atoms.Detecting the precession of these spins, again with laser light, is a direct way to measure a magnetic field and is relatable to fundamental constants.Improvements in quantum technology within the last decade have led to the miniaturisation of these sensors.We have now reached the point where compact, lightweight, and low power devices offer greater sensitivity to magnetic fields than any other technology.In this work, we identify the following four key space application areas in which OPMs may offer significant advantages over existing technologies: Environments in which high sensitivity is needed at low magnetic fields (10s of nT), full vector read-out with high directional sensitivity and reduced SWaP compared to helium magnetometers, miniaturised and lightweight scalar magnetometers to complement vector fluxgate measurements, vector or scalar sensors that need high (40 dB) gradiometer performance.This work identifies OPM configurations for each area and makes a first estimate of size, weight and power requirements for each.By enabling improvements in magnetic field sensitivity, this represents an exciting prospect for precision magnetic field measurements while also saving mass and reducing complexity.