Advanced Quantum Sensing Center

The Advanced Quantum Sensing (AQS) Center is a DoD Center of Excellence led by DSU researchers who conduct innovative quantum sensing research to deliver improved position, navigation and timing capabilities in DoD applications. The AQS center offers students a quality quantum science-related, higher-education program at DSU and aims to increase and diversify the U.S. quantum workforce. 

AQS Research

Quantum sensing provides new avenues for improving sensitivity and precision in physical measurements such as time, rotation, acceleration, gravity, electromagnetic fields, etc. beyond the classical limit. This has growing relevance in applications ranging from inertial navigation to understanding the human brain. AQS research focuses on the development of ultra-precise quantum sensors such as atomic clocks, atomic and solid-state spin magnetometers, and atom interferometric gyroscopes/accelerometers. The research initiative is divided into four projects, three of which are focused on experimenting with cold-atom-based systems and spin squeezing (or quantum entanglement) to develop quantum sensors that operate with the highest precision allowed by quantum mechanics.

Another research project is focused on understanding and mitigating physical processes affecting the coherence time in two different solid-state quantum sensors, i.e. nitrogen vacancy in diamond and silicon carbide quantum sensors. AQS researchers are collaborating with Northwestern University, CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and Harvard University on these efforts.

Research Projects:

• Cold-atom Raman clock and enhancement of sensitivity via spin squeezing [Lead: Dr. Gour Pati]
• Cold-atom magnetometry and enhanced sensitivity via spin squeezing [Lead: Dr. Renu Tripathi]
• Spin squeezed atom interferometric gyroscope/accelerometer [Lead: Dr. Gour Pati]
• Coherence time of nitrogen vacancy center diamond and silicon carbide quantum sensors [Lead: Dr. Deborah Santamore]

More information regarding these research projects will be available soon.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

We are using a comprehensive approach to enrich student education, learning and innovation at DSU in the quantum science and technology arena. New courses and teaching labs on quantum computing, communication, sensing and information processing are developed for physics, engineering, optics and computer science undergraduate and graduate programs. Students will undertake capstone and honors projects to design, build and test quantum devices in the laboratory. AQS center will provide internship opportunities with partnering institutions. Above all, the center will provide a quantum-education ecosystem through a wide range of activities such as summer research, workshops, seminar series, visiting graduate research experience, and online course offerings, etc. Integrated research, education, and mentoring activities are planned to achieve broadening participation and student retention. AQS outreach programs and activities will also provide pathways for pre-college students to pursue undergraduate STEM degrees with emphasis on quantum science and technologies.