Capstone Project: Designing a Quantum Sensor for Biomedical Applications

This Hands-On and Capstone (Level 4) experience, offered by Quantum Vista, serves as the culmination of our advanced learning pathway in quantum sensing. Students will work in teams to address a real-world challenge in biomedical sensing by proposing, computationally designing, modeling, and analyzing a novel or adapted quantum sensor solution. This project emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, research skills, and the practical application of knowledge gained throughout the Quantum Vista curriculum.

This capstone project is designed for students who have successfully completed all preceding levels of the Quantum Vista curriculum, including:

• Level 1: Introduction to Quantum Computing (Black Opal)
• Level 2: Quantum Mechanics for Applied Sciences & Quantum Sensing Fundamentals
• Level 3: Quantum Devices and Technologies in Sensing & Biomedical Engineering Applications of Quantum Sensors
• Level 4: Simulation & Prototyping with Quantum Tools

Participants must possess a strong theoretical understanding of quantum mechanics, sensing principles, and device physics, coupled with practical experience in quantum system simulation and analysis using tools like Python, Qiskit, and Q-CTRL software. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential.

The capstone project will guide student teams through a comprehensive design and analysis process, typically including:

• Problem Definition & Scoping: Identifying and clearly defining a specific biomedical challenge addressable by quantum sensing.
• Literature Review & State-of-the-Art Analysis: Researching existing classical and quantum approaches relevant to the chosen problem.
• Conceptual Design: Proposing a novel or adapted quantum sensor concept, including choice of quantum system, transduction mechanism, and operational principles.
• Simulation & Modeling: Developing computational models of the proposed sensor using appropriate software tools to predict performance, sensitivity, and limitations.
• Performance Analysis & Optimization: Analyzing simulation results, identifying key performance metrics, and exploring potential optimization strategies.
• Feasibility & Impact Assessment: Briefly considering the practical feasibility, potential impact, and challenges for real-world implementation of the proposed solution.
• Final Report & Presentation: Documenting the project in a comprehensive technical report and presenting the findings to peers and faculty/mentors.

Upon successful completion of this capstone project, student teams will have:

• Applied advanced quantum sensing principles to a complex, real-world biomedical problem.
• Developed a comprehensive design for a quantum sensor, supported by simulation and theoretical analysis.
• Critically evaluated the performance, strengths, and limitations of their proposed solution.
• Gained experience in collaborative research, project management, and technical documentation.
• Enhanced their skills in scientific communication through a written report and oral presentation.

Key Deliverables:

• A detailed project proposal.
• Simulation code and analysis results.
• A comprehensive final technical report.
• A final project presentation.

Student teams will be expected to utilize tools introduced in previous courses, including:

• Python: For scripting, data analysis, and custom simulations.
• Qiskit: For general quantum system modeling and circuit simulation.
• Q-CTRL Software Suite (e.g., Fire Opal, Boulder Opal concepts): For understanding and potentially simulating quantum control protocols and noise effects, where applicable to the project scope.

Access to scientific literature databases and computational resources for simulation will be essential. Project work will be guided by faculty or designated mentors.