Innovative Quantum Sensor Breakthrough Redefines Atomic-Scale Imaging
In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, an international research collaboration between Germany’s Forschungszentrum Jülich and Korea’s IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience (QNS) has unveiled a revolutionary quantum sensor capable of detecting minute magnetic fields at the atomic length scale. This pioneering work represents a significant step towards realizing the long-held dream of scientists: an MRI-like tool for quantum materials.
The research team leveraged the expertise of bottom-up single-molecule fabrication from the Jülich group and cutting-edge instrumentation and methodological knowledge from the QNS team to develop the world’s first quantum sensor for the atomic world.
The diameter of an atom is a million times smaller than the thickest human hair, posing immense challenges in visualizing and accurately measuring physical quantities like electric and magnetic fields emanating from atoms. To detect such weak fields from a single atom, the observing tool must be highly sensitive and as small as the atoms themselves.
A quantum sensor uses quantum mechanical phenomena, such as electron spin and entanglement of quantum states, for precise measurements. While several types of quantum sensors have been developed in recent years, achieving atomic-scale spatial resolution has remained elusive until now.
A New Approach for Enhanced Resolution
The key to the success of this new atomic-scale quantum sensor lies in using a single molecule as opposed to relying on defects in a crystal lattice. By attaching a molecule to the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope, the research team was able to develop a tool that can sense the electric and magnetic properties of atoms with unprecedented accuracy.
Dr. Taner Esat, lead author of the Jülich team, highlighted the potential applications of this quantum sensor, stating, “This breakthrough technology not only provides MRI-like images of materials but also sets a new standard for spatial resolution in quantum sensors. This will enable us to explore and understand materials at their most fundamental level.” The collaboration between the two teams was crucial, with Dr. Esat’s experience at QNS playing a pivotal role in the sensor’s development.
The quantum sensor boasts an energy resolution that allows for detecting changes in magnetic and electric fields with a spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an angstrom, equivalent to one atomic diameter. Furthermore, the sensor can be easily constructed and implemented in existing laboratories worldwide.
Pioneering Potential
This groundbreaking quantum sensor is poised to revolutionize the engineering of quantum materials and devices, facilitate the design of new catalysts, and deepen our understanding of the fundamental quantum behavior of molecular systems, such as those in biochemistry.
Yujeong Bae, QNS’s PI for the project, emphasized the transformative potential of this technology, stating, “The advances in tools for observing and studying matter stem from fundamental scientific discoveries. As Richard Feynman famously said, ‘There’s plenty of room at the bottom,’ highlighting the infinite potential of atomic-level manipulation.” Professor Temirov from Jülich added, “Our work in molecular manipulation has led to the creation of a groundbreaking quantum device.”
The research findings were recently published in Nature Nanotechnology, marking a significant milestone in the field of quantum technology with far-reaching implications across various scientific disciplines.