Quantum Detectors

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.

ECE69500

Credit Hours:

1

Learning Objective:

  • Foundations of quantum metrology
  • Operating principles of single photon detectors
  • Quantum sensing devices including magnetometers and interferometers

Description:

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.

Topics Covered:

Weeks Topic(s)
1 Single Photon Avalanche Detectors
2 Superconducting Detectors
3 Coherent States and Squeezed States
4 Quantum Interferometry
5 Nitrogen Vacancy Centers in Diamond

Prerequisites:

Fourier series, Fourier transforms, wave equation, Maxwell's equations, basics of solid state physics

Textbooks:

  1. Class notes will be available for download