Sciences & Technology
Quantum boost for medical imaging
The Quantum sensing revolution
Quantum sensors can detect tiny changes at the level below the atom, and it’s leading to entirely new questions about how our biological systems work
Published 3 October 2018
Episode 0
While the discussion about “spooky” quantum phenomena like Schrödinger’s famous cat is about a hundred years old, there’s a revolution coming in quantum sensing.
Quantum sensors exploit of the quantum mechanical behaviour of atoms or ions to measure physical quantities such as frequency, acceleration, rotation rates, electric and magnetic fields, or temperature with the absolute accuracy.
The sensors use properties (like entanglement) to achieve measurements beyond the reach of traditional systems, and are currently are used in devices like atomic clocks and magnetometers.
And while sensors like this have been around for at least a decade, the new generation of quantum sensors are making major advances with real-world impact.
Find out about University of Melbourne’s IBM Quantum Hub.
Episode recorded: March 27, 2018
Interviewer: Dr Andi Horvath
Audio engineering: Arch Cuthbertson
Production: Chris Hatzis, Dr Andi Horvath and Silvi Vann-Wall
Editor: Chris Hatzis
Banner image: Paul Burston/University of Melbourne
