The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is exploring quantum sensors to enable precision measurements of gravity, inertial forces, and magnetic fields. Atomic magnetometry is used to monitor the spin of atoms in external magnetic fields, with NPL developing portable magnetometers for non-destructive imaging of structural defects. NPL’s research includes work on gravity gradiometers and absolute gravimeters based on a double rubidium atomic fountain. The lecture will be delivered by Prof Jan-Theodoor (JT) Janssen, Chief Scientist at NPL, who is known for his application of quantum technologies and his role in launching the National Graphene Metrology Centre.
Quantum Sensors and Precision Measurements
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is exploring the use of quantum sensors to enable precision measurements of gravity, inertial forces, and magnetic fields. These sensors utilise atomic magnetometry, a technique that monitors the spin of atoms in external magnetic fields. NPL is also supporting the development of portable magnetometers, which can be used for non-destructive imaging of structural defects.
Atom interferometry is another technique being used to measure gravity, linear accelerations, and rotations. This method involves the superposition of atoms, which allows for precise measurements of these forces. The research in this area is cutting-edge, with NPL working on the measurement behind gravity gradiometers and absolute gravimeters based on a double rubidium atomic fountain. These devices have advantages over classical measurement devices.
The Event: Quantum Sensors and Their Applications
The lecture on NPL’s exploration of quantum sensors is a theatre and livestreamed event. This format allows for both an in-person audience and an online audience. Tickets to attend in person or to watch the livestream are available. The event offers an opportunity to delve into the exciting world of quantum sensors and their applications in precision measurement.
About the Speaker: Prof Jan-Theodoor (JT) Janssen
Prof Jan-Theodoor (JT) Janssen is the Chief Scientist at NPL and a member of the executive team. He joined NPL in 1998 and is known for his application of quantum technologies. His research involves a wide range of topics in solid-state physics applied to metrology applications. JT launched the National Graphene Metrology Centre (NGMC), which develops metrology and standardisation for the graphene industry. He is also a Scientific Co-Director of the Quantum Metrology Institute (QMI), which covers all of NPL’s quantum science and metrology research.
Since 2017, JT has been a member of the NPL Executive team, first as the Research Director, and now as the Chief Scientist. In this role, he is responsible for the external scientific engagements with academia and other government organisations. He is also responsible for the Science & Technology Advisory Council (STAC) and Post Graduate Institute (PGI) which NPL jointly runs with the Universities of Strathclyde and Surrey. JT is also the UK delegate for EURAMET the European Association of National Metrology Institutes.
JT is a Chartered Physicist and Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of NPL, the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). He is also the NPL Head of Science and Engineering Profession for the Government Science and Engineering Profession (GSE) and a visiting professor at the University of Lancaster. In 2021 JT was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
JT is passionate about diversity and inclusion at the laboratory and in STEM more generally. He is the executive sponsor for NPL’s Juno committee, which aims to address gender equality in physics and to encourage better practice for all staff. He is also the sponsor of the disability working group. His commitment to these issues is a key part of his role at NPL.
Prof Jan-Theodoor (JT) Janssen FREng FinstP FIET is the Chief Scientist at NPL and a member of the executive team. JT joined NPL in 1998 and is distinguished for the application of quantum technologies and an NPL Fellow in Quantum Electrical Metrology. His research involves a wide range of topics in solid-state physics applied to metrology applications. JT launched the National Graphene Metrology Centre (NGMC), the role of which is to develop metrology and standardisation for the nascent graphene industry. He is also a Scientific Co-Director of the Quantum Metrology Institute (QMI), which covers all of NPL’s leading-edge quantum science and metrology research and provides the expertise and facilities needed for academia and industry to test, validate, and ultimately commercialise new quantum research and technologies.
Quick Summary
NPL is exploring quantum sensors to enable precision measurements of gravity, inertial forces, and magnetic fields, using atomic magnetometry and atom interferometry. Their research includes the development of portable magnetometers for non-destructive imaging of structural defects and absolute gravimeters based on a double rubidium atomic fountain, which offer advantages over classical devices.
- The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is exploring quantum sensors to enable precision measurements of gravity, inertial forces, and magnetic fields.
- Atomic magnetometry is used to monitor the spin of atoms in external magnetic fields, with NPL supporting the development of portable magnetometers for non-destructive imaging of structural defects.
- Atom interferometry is being used to measure gravity, linear accelerations, and rotations.
- NPL is conducting leading-edge research in this area, including work on the measurement behind gravity gradiometers and absolute gravimeters based on a double rubidium atomic fountain, which has advantages over classical devices.
- The lecture on this topic is being given by Prof Jan-Theodoor (JT) Janssen, the Chief Scientist at NPL and a member of the executive team. He is distinguished for the application of quantum technologies and is an NPL Fellow in Quantum Electrical Metrology.
- JT Janssen is also a Scientific Co-Director of the Quantum Metrology Institute (QMI), which covers all of NPL’s leading-edge quantum science and metrology research and provides the expertise and facilities needed for academia and industry to test, validate, and ultimately commercialise new quantum research and technologies.
