Quantum systems can be exceptionally sensitive probes of electric, magnetic and gravitational fields. The aim of research in sensing is to exploit that sensitivity to make useful sensors with unprecedented precision and accuracy based on quantum mechanics. In quantum imaging, quantum light such as single photons, entangled photon pairs and squeezed fields are used for imaging fragile objects such as biological tissue non-invasively.
Areas of sensing and imaging that we are currently pursuing include:
- We contribute to the work of the QuantIC hub on heralded spectroscopy and ghost imaging, where both classical and quantum correlations are used to suppress noise and increase the resolution of measurements.
- Our research in quantum optomechanics seeks to approach the quantum limit for sensing extremely weak forces as well as to study fundamental physics. We are working closely with the National Physical Laboratory to develop industry applications for electric and magnetic sensing at room temperature as well as low temperature.
- For efficient and stable quantum imaging, we generate twin photons at two different frequencies and package the whole imaging device into a portable size.
- With nanoscale photonics, not only do interactions become stronger and faster but also previously undetectable weak effects are dramatically enhanced. The result is extreme sensing capability, with localised surface plasmonics at the quantum level.
Our researchers:
Professor Neil Alford MBE FREng
Dr Daan Arroo
Dr Daan Arroo
Department of Materials
Dr Max Attwood
Dr Max Attwood
Department of Materials
Dr Artem Bakulin
Dr Charles Baynham
Professor Oliver Buchmueller
Dr Shelly Conroy
Professor Carlo Contaldi
Professor Zahid Durrani
Professor Matthew Fuchter
Dr Kevin Gouder
Professor Geoffrey Hall FRS
Professor Nicholas Harrison
Dr Leonie Hawkins
Dr Leonie Hawkins
Department of Physics
Professor Sandrine Heutz
Dr Ping-Luen Ho
Professor Andrew Horsfield
Dr Jose Jimenez Zarco
Professor Myungshik Kim
Dr Po-Heng Lee
Professor Emil Lupu
Professor Stefan Maier
Professor Rupert Oulton
Professor Mark Oxborrow
Professor Chris Phillips
Professor Riccardo Sapienza
Professor Simon Schultz
Professor John Tisch
Dr Felice Torrisi
Dr Michael Vanner
Dr Michael Vanner
Department of Physics
Dr Jessica Wade
Dr Thomas Walker
Professor Ian Walmsley CBE FRS
Professor Ian Walmsley CBE FRS
Department of Physics