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Quantum enhancement protocol report

Aleksandra Sierant

Published Dec 31, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The goal of the QUANTIFY project is to develop advanced sensors based on functionalized MEMS atomic vapor cell technology (MEMS cells) and photonic integrated light sources, including the development of a quantum-enhanced optically pumped magnetometer using a photonic squeezer (PICSq). The purpose of this document is to describe the quantum-enhanced protocol to be later used with PICSq and MEMS cells. The work reported here was performed by and at ICFO, within the framework of the work package 3.

DOI
10.5281/zenodo.18174060

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The goal of the QUANTIFY project is to develop advanced sensors based on functionalized MEMS atomic vapor cell technology (MEMS cells) and photonic integrated light sources, including the development of a quantum-enhanced optically pumped magnetometer using a photonic squeezer (PICSq). The purpose of this document is to describe the quantum-enhanced protocol to be later used with PICSq and MEMS cells. The work reported here was performed by and at ICFO, within the framework of the work package 3.
Optical Pumping The cover feature highlights the key elements of the study by Zhen Chai and co-workers outlined in article number 2402292: a silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit (PIC), laser beams used for optical pumping, the spin precession of 87Rb atoms, and the resulting signal. The design visually represents how the PIC transforms fiber-coupled 795 nm pump light into arrayed elliptically polarized beams, effectively manipulating atomic spin states within the vapor cell. This integration of photonic chips with atomic magnetometry opens new possibilities for compact, high-resolution quantum sensing applications.
We study quantum enhancement of sensitivity using squeezed light in a multi-parameter quantum sensor, the hybrid dc-rf optically pumped magnetometer (hOPM) [Phys. Rev. Applied 21, 034054, (2024)]. Using a single spin ensemble, the hOPM acquires both the dc field strength (scalar magnetometry), and resonantly detects one quadrature of the ac magnetic field at a chosen frequency (rf magnetometry). In contrast to the Bell-Bloom scalar magnetometer [Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 193601 (2021)], the back-action evasion in the hOPM is incomplete, leading to a nontrivial interplay of the three quantum noise sources in this system: photon shot noise, spin projection noise, and measurement back-action noise. We observe these interactions using squeezed light as a tool to control the distribution of optical quantum noise between S2S_2S2​ and S3S_3S3​ polarization Stokes components, and the resulting effect on readout quantum noise and measurement back-action. These results demonstrate quantum-enhanced sensitivity in a continuously operating multi-parameter sensor and reveal fundamental trade-offs between sensitivity, back-action, and bandwidth.
We study quantum enhancement of sensitivity using squeezed light in a multiparameter quantum sensor, the hybrid dc and rf optically pumped magnetometer (hOPM) [M. Lipka , Multiparameter quantum sensing and magnetic communication with a hybrid dc and rf optically pumped magnetometer, , 034054 (2024)]. Using a single spin ensemble, the hOPM acquires both the dc field strength (scalar magnetometry) and resonantly detects one quadrature of the ac magnetic field at a chosen frequency (rf magnetometry). In contrast to the Bell-Bloom scalar magnetometer [C. Troullinou , Squeezed-light enhancement and backaction evasion in a high sensitivity optically pumped magnetometer, , 193601 (2021)], the backaction evasion in the hOPM is incomplete, leading to a nontrivial interplay of the three quantum noise sources in this system: photon shot noise, spin projection noise, and measurement backaction noise. We observe these interactions using squeezed light as a tool to control the distribution of optical quantum noise between S 2 and S 3 polarization Stokes components, and the resulting effect on readout quantum noise and measurement backaction. These results demonstrate quantum-enhanced sensitivity in a continuously operating multiparameter sensor and reveal fundamental trade-offs between sensitivity, backaction, and bandwidth.
An integrated optically-controlled sensor, suitable for remote, high-sensitivity detection of magnetic fields is presented. The operation of the sensor both in earth field in a Bell-Bloom type configuration is demonstrated as well as in a spin-exchange relaxation-free mode (SERF) and reach sensitivities better than 500 fT/radicHz at 10 Hz. The design and initial measurements of a small atomic magnetometer that has no electrical connections near the sensor head is presented. The sensor is fabricated by use of methods derived from microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems and integrated with off-the-shelf micro-optical components. Light is coupled through fibers to and from the sensor head for interrogation of the atoms. Heating of the atomic vapor is achieved by a second fiber-coupled laser source, utilizing the absorption properties of the vapor cell.
The objective of this project was to make significant advances in quantum optical communications through the design, fabrication and demonstration of novel devices at the microchip scale. The principal goal of the device sub-project was to develop key building blocks for photonic microchips that are energy-efficient, leverages modern micro-fabrication platforms, reduces operational complexity and improve scalability with the potential for future adoption by industry. Summary of a Project Outcomes report of research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Project Number 1640968 (Year 5).
We report on the micro-fabrication and characterization of a chip-scale plasma light source based on a Rubidium (Rb) vapor cell. The Rb plasma light source is intended for use as an integrated optical pump-light source in miniature double-resonance Rb atomic clocks. The RF plasma is capacitively coupled using external electrodes, and the light source is impedance matched to the source for frequencies between 1 and 36 MHz. Rb vapor cells have been previously developed as reference cells for atomic clocks but not as light sources. This is the first reported Rb plasma emitted from a chip-scale device. Stable light emission is observed for over 18 days.