The EU-funded macQsimal project was launched in 2018 to explore how quantum properties can be used to develop sensors with unprecedented precision and sensitivity and to help establish a high-performance European industry in this field. The project was carried out by a consortium of 14 partners spanning the entire technology value chain, from fundamental research to industrial applications. Consortium members worked together to design next-generation, highly effective sensors based on atomic vapor cells, with a view to making the benefits of this technology available to the general public. macQsimal, coordinated by CSEM as part of the EU’s Quantum Flagship, has now drawn to a close, after leading to some promising discoveries.
Read the full article from CSEM here.
Celebrating the achievements in Neuchâtel
The project’s closing ceremony was held at the University of Neuchâtel, on 20–21 June through a symposium open to the public and an event held as part of the university’s Temps, Sciences et Société (Time, Science, and Society) conference series. During the final meeting, partners presented the key achievements, shared challenges and debated the future of quantum sensing.
Key achievements presented during the macQsimal final meeting included:
- Wafer-level fabrication of reproducible and high performance atomic vapor cells.
- Integrated Quantum sensors prototypes at high technology readiness level for miniaturized atomic clock and optically-pumped magnetometer.
- A shoebox-sized demonstrator of an atomic gyroscope.
- Demonstration of a novel spectrum analyzer, a new application of atomic GHz/THz sensors and imagers.
Numerous evidence of Quantum enhancement potentials in peer-reviewed publications.
Inspirations beyond the project end – macQsimal on YouTube
The event was also an excellent opportunity for the announcement of the macQsimal YouTube channel. All videos developed within the project as part of the communication and dissemination strategy led by accelopment are now available for all interested in science, quantum and technology. Videos can be used to raise awareness, document research and share new scientific methodologies that can help build capacity and generate new applications and innovation. Videos have the power to engage people in ways that are different from the written word. They are hence an excellent medium to reach out to a global audience and boost the macQsimal impact even after the project’s completion.
macQsimal videos are strategically planned to:
- Educate about the physics and use of atoms as sensors, How can we use atoms (and photons) as quantum sensors?
- Promote the project as part of the Quantum Flagship with international collaborations of partners from academia, research organisations and industry, What are vapor cells? Towards new technologies and approaches in quantum sensing.
- Communicate about the research and achievements of the project in different research areas, which translate to five applications: optically-pumped magnetometers, atomic clocks, atomic gyroscopes, atomic GHz/THz imagers and sensors and Rydberg-based gas sensors.
- Disseminate the project results through the recordings from the Quantum sensing with hot vapors symposium.
- Introduce the audience to the common technology of macQsimal, the Fabrication of vapor cells for precise sensing.
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