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Quantum sensing for particle physics

Nature Reviews Physics (2024)Cite this article

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Abstract

Quantum sensing uses properties of quantum mechanics to go beyond what is possible with traditional measurement techniques. In particle physics, key problems in which quantum sensing can have a vital role include neutrino properties, tests of fundamental symmetries (Lorentz invariance and the equivalence principle, searches for electric dipole moments and possible variations of the fundamental constants), the search for dark matter and testing ideas about the nature of dark energy. Quantum sensor technologies using atom interferometry, optomechanical devices, or atomic and nuclear clocks are inherently relevant for low-energy physics, but other platforms, such as quantum dots, superconducting devices or spin sensors, might also be useful in future high-energy particle physics detectors. This Perspective explores the opportunities for these technologies in future particle physics experiments and outlines the challenges that could be tackled through collaborative efforts.

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Fig. 1: Ranges of sensitivity or applicability of a selection of different quantum sensors to searches for beyond Standard Model (BSM) physics.

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Acknowledgements

This article developed from discussions at the Humboldt Kolleg conference, Clues to a mysterious Universe — exploring the interface of particle, gravity and quantum physics, Kitzbühel, June 26–July 01, 2022. The work was supported in part by the SciMat and qLife Priority Research Area budget under the programme Excellence Initiative — Research University at Jagiellonian University.

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  1. Kitzbühel Centre for Physics, Kitzbühel, Austria

    Steven D. Bass

  2. Marian Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

    Steven D. Bass

  3. Centre for Theranostics, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

    Steven D. Bass

  4. Experimental Physics Department, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland

    Michael Doser

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Bass, S.D., Doser, M. Quantum sensing for particle physics. Nat Rev Phys (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-024-00714-3

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