Sensors & Imaging

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.