The advent of quantum sensing technology is poised to revolutionize various industries, including materials testing, semiconductor manufacturing, and biomedicine, by enabling exact measurements. To facilitate the adoption of this innovative technology, Fraunhofer IAF has launched a virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing, providing an interactive platform for companies and research institutions to explore the capabilities of quantum magnetometers.
This online resource offers comprehensive technical information, interactive measurement scenarios, and expert knowledge, allowing users to assess the potential of quantum sensors for their specific needs. By making its technologies and expertise accessible to a broad audience, Fraunhofer IAF aims to accelerate the transfer of research results into industrial innovations, ultimately harnessing the vast potential of quantum sensing to drive advancements in multiple fields.
Introduction to Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing is a technology that utilizes quantum systems to make extremely precise measurements, offering significant potential in various fields such as materials testing, the semiconductor industry, and biomedicine. Fraunhofer IAF has developed a virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing to promote the adoption of quantum sensors in industry. This platform provides comprehensive technical knowledge about quantum magnetometers, applications, and measurement scenarios, allowing interested parties to interactively perform sample measurements and assess the potential of this technology for their specific needs.
The virtual application lab is an innovative information platform that enables users to explore and test quantum sensors in a virtual environment. It features three quantum magnetometers and offers detailed technical information and explanations of the different measurement principles of the devices. The core of the application lab consists of interactive measurements that showcase measurement scenarios from various fields, including materials testing, micro- and nanoelectronics, and biomedicine. For each sector, users can run through several measurement scenarios, retrieve individual results, or get an overall evaluation.
The development of the virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing is a result of Fraunhofer IAF’s efforts to support industry and science in exploring the possibilities of quantum sensors and evaluating solutions for specific application scenarios. The platform makes Fraunhofer IAF’s technologies and expertise available to a broad audience, promoting the transfer of research results into industrial innovations. With easy access to expert knowledge, companies and institutions can benefit from the latest expertise on how quantum sensors work and where they can be used, as well as assess the benefits and application potential of the devices for their specific needs.
Quantum Magnetometers and Their Applications
Quantum magnetometers are highly sensitive magnetic field sensors that can operate at room temperature and in background fields, enabling extremely high spatial resolution. These properties make quantum magnetometers ideal for industrial applications, such as materials testing, where they can visualize magnetic field distributions at the smallest level and provide relevant information about the samples. For instance, quantum magnetometers can detect nanoparticles in biological tissue, crack formations in metallic samples, or magnetic fields in microelectronic circuits.
The virtual application lab provides an overview of the quantum sensors used at Fraunhofer IAF and their possible applications. It features three quantum magnetometers, including those based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, which are single atomic systems that act as highly sensitive magnetic field sensors. These devices can be used to measure magnetic fields in various scenarios, such as detecting magnetic fields in microelectronic circuits or visualizing crack formations in metallic samples.
The use of quantum magnetometers has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including materials testing and biomedicine. For example, quantum magnetometers can be used to detect magnetic nanoparticles in biological tissue, which could lead to new methods for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, quantum magnetometers can be used to measure magnetic fields in microelectronic circuits, enabling the development of more efficient and compact electronic devices.
Technical Implementation and Funding
The technical implementation of the virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing was carried out by the Service Center Training and Knowledge Transfer of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. The initiative was funded by the State of Baden-Württemberg, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, and Fraunhofer IAF’s own resources. The content and technical concept of the virtual application lab were developed by Fraunhofer IAF, which has established itself as a leading research institution in the field of quantum sensing.
The development of the virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing is an example of how research institutions can collaborate with industry to promote the adoption of new technologies. By providing easy access to expert knowledge and enabling companies to assess the benefits and application potential of quantum sensors, Fraunhofer IAF is supporting the transfer of research results into industrial innovations.
The funding provided by the State of Baden-Württemberg, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, and Fraunhofer IAF’s own resources has enabled the development of a comprehensive platform that showcases the potential of quantum sensing in various industries. The virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing is an example of how investments in research and development can lead to innovative solutions with significant economic and social impact.
On-Site Testing and Physical Application Laboratory
In addition to the virtual application laboratory, Fraunhofer IAF has established a physical application laboratory for quantum sensing at its location in Freiburg, Germany. Interested companies, SMEs, and start-ups can conduct magnetic field measurements with their own samples on site and test the use of quantum magnetometers for their applications. This enables companies to gain hands-on experience with quantum sensors and assess their potential for specific industrial applications.
The physical application laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including quantum magnetometers based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. These devices can be used to measure magnetic fields in various scenarios, such as detecting magnetic fields in microelectronic circuits or visualizing crack formations in metallic samples. By providing access to these facilities, Fraunhofer IAF is supporting the development of new industrial applications for quantum sensing.
The combination of the virtual application laboratory and the physical application laboratory provides a comprehensive platform for companies to explore and test quantum sensors. The virtual application laboratory enables companies to gain an understanding of the potential of quantum sensing in various industries, while the physical application laboratory provides hands-on experience with quantum sensors and enables companies to assess their potential for specific industrial applications.
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