Quantum Metrology and Quantum Sensors

The properties of quantum physics make it possible to measure time, electrical quantities, gravity, pressure and other physical quantities with a level of accuracy that cannot be achieved using conventional methods.

Quantum metrology is about using well-defined quantum phenomena to develop the measurement standards, measurement methods and instruments of the future. At the same time, the development of emerging quantum technologies creates a need for new methods to characterise, compare and quality-assure quantum systems and quantum components.

Quantum sensors use quantum-mechanical phenomena to detect extremely small changes in, for example, time, frequency, electric and magnetic fields, gravity and other physical quantities. This opens up opportunities in areas ranging from positioning and navigation to industry, energy and space.

From quantum phenomena to reliable measurements

Our expertise includes both research and development of quantum-based measurement principles and the metrology needed to ensure that new quantum technologies can be used in a reliable and comparable way. Our work combines advanced measurement technology, photonics, atomic and laser physics, electrical metrology, and the development of new sensors and measurement systems.

Our work includes:

quantum-based measurement standards
optical atomic clocks and optical frequency references
atomic and laser-based measurement methods
electrical quantum metrology
optical metrology and frequency metrology
quantum-based pressure metrology
quantum sensors for, for example, gravity and electromagnetic quantities
characterisation and metrology for quantum components and quantum systems
future quantum-based measurement systems

Example: World-leading electrical measurements with graphene and quantum effect

Why is quantum metrology needed?

Modern technology depends on measurements that can be compared over time, between different laboratories and across national borders. As requirements increase, quantum phenomena are becoming increasingly important as references because they are based on fundamental physical properties that can be reproduced with very high accuracy. At the same time, a new generation of quantum sensors and other quantum technologies is being developed. For these technologies to move from research into practical use, methods are needed to verify their performance, understand their uncertainties and compare results between different systems.

Research and development

Quantum metrology and quantum sensors form an interdisciplinary field that brings together expertise from several parts of RISE. We also collaborate with universities, industry and international research partners to develop new quantum-based measurement methods, sensors and references. Our work covers both fundamental development and applications where quantum technology can enable better measurements or entirely new capabilities. An important part of this work is also to establish the measurement infrastructure needed as quantum technologies begin to move beyond research laboratories.

National Metrology Institute

RISE is Sweden’s National Metrology Institute and ensures traceable measurements for industry and business through National Laboratories for different physical quantities. Since 2019, the SI system has been entirely based on fundamental constants of nature, with units realised through different quantum-mechanical phenomena. This creates a close link between research in quantum technology and Sweden’s infrastructure for quality-assured and internationally comparable measurements.