Fraunhofer develops quantum sensors for precision measurement and imaging
The Fraunhofer Institute is developing quantum mechanics-based sensors to enable unprecedented measurement accuracy and new imaging techniques. The technology is being applied in medical diagnostics and industrial material testing, among other fields.
The Fraunhofer Institute is advancing quantum sensing and imaging technologies that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve highly precise measurements and enhanced imaging capabilities. These advancements are paving the way for applications in healthcare, industrial testing, and navigation.
Quantum sensors enable extremely sensitive measurements of magnetic fields and other physical quantities by utilizing the electron spin property. Fraunhofer's QMag project, for example, is investigating quantum magnetometers based on the optical measurement of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds. The research has progressed to the point where the first commercial applications are already in use, with further development targeting industrial needs such as detecting microscopic material defects.
Quantum imaging utilizes entangled photons. One photon illuminates an object in the invisible wavelength range, while its entangled counterpart is detected by a camera in the visible spectrum, making the previously invisible visible. In the QUANCER project, this technique is being developed for cancer diagnostics, aiming to identify tumor tissue chemically selectively and improve infrared microscopy.
In November 2023, various Fraunhofer institutes, including Fraunhofer IPM and Fraunhofer IOF, presented their progress in quantum technology applications. Medical applications aim to improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sensitivity by up to 10,000 times, potentially leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses. In industry, quantum sensors can detect material cracks without destructive testing. Research is also underway for brain-computer interfaces and GPS-independent navigation systems.
Fraunhofer IPM has also developed a contactless flow measurement method based on magnetic fields and quantum sensors. This method quantifies the impact of the flow profile on the magnetic signal, enhancing the precision and reliability of measurement techniques.