Quantum sensor

This article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject. Please help improve the article with a good introductory style. (October 2009)

The word quantum refers to the idea of interactions and discrete energy levels of particles at the subatomic level (quantum mechanics). Quantum mechanics is a very deep topic, and seeks to describe the state of being of a physical system. The 'quantum world' goes against traditional laws of physics and opens new dimensions of study and possibility. A quantum sensor therefore is an influencing system that can measure the effect of the quantum state of another physical or /particle system on itself. The mere act of measurement influences the quantum state and alters the probability and uncertainty associated with its state during measurement.

A quantum sensor is a device that exploits quantum correlations, such as quantum entanglement, to achieve a sensitivity or resolution that is better than can achieved using only classical systems.^[1]

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has recently^[when?] launched a research program in optical quantum sensors that seeks to exploit ideas from quantum metrology and quantum imaging, such as quantum lithography and the NOON state, in order to achieve these goals with optical sensor systems such as lidar.^{[2] [3]}

Quantum sensor is also a term used in other settings where entangled quantum systems are exploited to make better atomic clocks^[4] or more sensitive magnetometers.^[5][6]

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