QSense4Life

PROJECT GOAL

The potential to realise smaller and more precise systems puts quantum technologies on the brink of initiating a technological revolution in sensor technologies. Of particular interest for future applications are solid-state systems enabling a selective manipulation of quantum states of single atoms or lattice vacancies at room temperature.

A particular potential is exhibited by diamond crystals with controllably implanted nitrogen-vacancy point defects (NV centres), first embodiments of which are already being used as highly sensitive magnetometers. Based on visions of the industrial partners, the long-term vision of this research is to provide and offer entirely new products based on such quantum effects until ca. 2025, and actively shape the future with market-leading technologies.

The core objectives of the QSense4Life project are:

• Researching and establishing the fundamentals for the systems integration of NV centre-based metrological setups in a compact sensor and
• Investigating the possibility of using NV centres as transducer elements for chemo- and bio-sensors for selected example applications.

Based on a first laboratory demonstrator of a fully integrated quantum sensor a development perspective and 7-9-year R&D roadmap towards an innovative quantum bio-sensor for mass market applications will be developed.

Example applications for the demonstration of the feasibility of such quantum sensor systems are nutrient analyses in fruit juices and and approaches for the determination of individual needs and requirements for personalised dietary concepts.

PROJECT CONSORTIUM

The project is managed by Silicon Austria Labs GmbH and conducted in collaboration with the University of Vienna, Infineon Technologies Austria AG and Philips Austria GmbH.