Q1st
There is a real potential of quantum technologies now. The field of quantum sensors is particularly interesting. These types of technologies take advantage of the coherent superposition of quantum states to make measurements of electromagnetic fields and other properties with unprecedented sensitivity, thousands of orders of magnitude better than current technologies. The type of applications that can be built from there is immense: in the field of health (e.g., nuclear magnetic resonance, lab-on-chip, diagnosis…), in the field of mobility (inertial sensors, radars), in industry (tags, inspection), in metrology (size, time, magnetism…), etc.
Q1st is a joint initiative of research organizations in the Basque Country to develop quantum component technologies (quantum hardware) for ultra-resolution sensing devices based on quantum principles. Through these principles, it is possible to achieve unprecedented performance and precision for devices used in physical and chemical property detection, identification and traceability, metrology, or inertial positioning systems.
The developments are built on the well-founded experience and achievements of the local knowledge ecosystem for devices in quantum technologies based on solid-state physics of Nitrogen-Vacancy centers, NV-centers. It is a technology that, compared to other quantum technologies (superconductors, neutral atoms, ion traps, photonics, quantum dots…), allows for a good encapsulation form factor, works in a wide range of operating temperatures, even at ambient temperatures, is harmless to many applications and is robust for the industrial context and environmental conditions. The selected areas of work synergistically reinforce the existing good position in the academic and knowledge context on these issues with the ability to develop niche solutions based on these technologies and with access to the potential market of local industry.
Considering the characteristics of the Basque industry, the predominantly B2B type of business and the value chains in which it mostly operates, where the greatest potential is perceived from the quantum sensing perspective is for industrial applications.
For this, the initiative focuses on the development of three types of devices (“sensors”): one for detection, another for identification tags and another for communication. All three types share the same solid-state physics quantum technology as a “substrate”: they exploit the potential of NV-centers.
