Quantum Detectors and Sensors

Classical detectors and sensors are ubiquitous around us from heat sensors in cars to light detectors in a camera cell phone. Leveraging advances in the theory of noise and measurement, an important paradigm of quantum metrology has emerged. Here, ultra-precision measurement devices collect maximal information from the world around us at the quantum limit. This enables a new frontier of perception that promises to impact machine learning, autonomous navigation, surveillance strategies, information processing, and communication systems.

Students in this in-depth course will learn the fundamentals about state-of-the-art quantum detectors and sensors. They will also learn about quantum noise and how it limits quantum devices. The primary goal of the course is to empower students with a critical and deep understanding of emerging applications at the quantum-classical boundary. This will allow them to adopt quantum detectors and sensors for their own endeavors.

Module 1: Quantum Noise

• Bosons vs. Fermions
• Bosonic Harmonic Oscillator
• Two-Level Atoms
• Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem
• Vacuum Fluctuations

Module 2: Quantum Detectors

• Classical Detectors
• Single Photon Avalanche Detectors
• Superconducting Detectors
• Quantum Interference
• Quantum Non-Demolition Measurement

Module 3: Quantum Sensing

• Quantum Fisher Information
• Coherent States and Squeezed States
• Quantum Interferometry
• Nitrogen Vacancy Centers in Diamond
• Quantum Phase Transition Based Sensing Detection