Quantum Sensing Fundamentals

This Intermediate (Level 2) course, curated by Quantum Vista, introduces the core principles and techniques behind quantum sensing and metrology. Students will explore how quantum mechanics enables measurements of physical quantities with precision surpassing classical limits. The course will cover fundamental noise limits, quantum enhancement strategies, and an introduction to various quantum sensing platforms, preparing learners for more advanced studies in specific sensor technologies and their applications.

This course is designed for students who have a foundational understanding of quantum mechanics, ideally through completion of our "Quantum Mechanics for Applied Sciences" course or an equivalent. It is suitable for undergraduate (upper-level) and graduate students in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, and related fields who wish to specialize in quantum technologies, particularly quantum sensing and metrology.

Familiarity with basic concepts of:

• Quantum superposition and entanglement
• Quantum measurement principles
• Basic probability and statistics

is recommended.

Introduction to Metrology & Sensing: Classical estimation theory, Fisher information, Cramér-Rao bounds.

• Quantum Measurement Theory: Projective measurements, POVMs, weak measurements, quantum non-demolition measurements.
• Noise in Quantum Systems: Decoherence, dephasing, different noise models (e.g., Johnson-Nyquist noise), and their impact on sensor performance.
• Fundamental Quantum Limits: Standard Quantum Limit (SQL), shot noise, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and the concept of the Heisenberg Limit.
• Quantum Enhancement Strategies: Introduction to using entangled states (e.g., N00N states, spin squeezing) and squeezed states of light to surpass the SQL.
• Overview of Quantum Sensing Modalities: Brief introduction to the principles behind atomic sensors (clocks, interferometers), spin-based sensors (NV centers, OPMs), superconducting sensors (SQUIDs, SNSPDs), and quantum optical sensing techniques.
• Introduction to Quantum Imaging: Concepts like quantum illumination and ghost imaging (conceptual).

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:

• Describe the fundamental principles of quantum metrology and the advantages quantum sensors offer over classical counterparts.
• Identify and analyze key noise sources that limit sensor precision.
• Explain the concepts of the Standard Quantum Limit and the Heisenberg Limit.
• Discuss various quantum mechanical strategies used to enhance measurement sensitivity.
• Outline the operating principles of several major classes of quantum sensors.
• Understand the basic concepts behind emerging quantum imaging techniques.

This course will combine theoretical lectures with conceptual problem-solving. Learning may be supplemented with interactive online modules, simulations demonstrating quantum measurement principles, and case studies, potentially leveraging educational resources from platforms such as Qureca or other interactive physics applets. Access to basic programming environments (e.g., Python) for simple simulations may be encouraged.