Exploring the universe's mysteries: levitating nanosensors to expand our understanding of quantum physics
James is an experimental quantum scientist at King's, and Director of King's Quantum, a multidisciplinary research initiative. He studies novel quantum technologies and fundamental physics at the nanoscale. He is proud to support his research community, and leads LeviNet, an international research network of over 70 institutions.
He completed his MSc in Physics at Imperial College London in 2007, and his PhD in experimental atomic physics at Durham University in 2011, under the supervision of Dr. M. P. A. Jones. During this work he created the world’s first gas of ultra-cold strontium Rydberg atoms.
In 2011 James moved to University College London, to work with Prof. Peter Barker in the new field of levitated optomechanics. In pioneering work, they used focussed laser beams and optical cavities to cool and control the motion of charged silica nanoparticles. Together with Dr. Janet Anders they undertook a paradigmatic study into the non-equilibrium dynamics of a Brownian particle.
James was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship to work in the Quantum Nanophysics group of Prof. Markus Arndt at the University of Vienna between 2015-2018. The group developed techniques which will enable the exploration of the mass limit of quantum physics in uncharted regimes. While in Vienna, James pioneered the study of rotational optomechanics, developing the most frequency stable mechanical object ever created.
To complement his research, James has fostered a keen interest in outreach, public engagement, and science communication, and is currently Lecturer in Quantum Theory to the Public at the Royal Institution. He runs The Quantum Workshop mobile experiment, has written for the Guardian and Physics World, and has acted as scientific advisor for two BBC documentaries. More details can be found on his personal websites:
www.levi-nano.com
www.thequantumworkshop.com
X: @QuantumWorkshop
James is an experimental quantum scientist at King's, and Director of King's Quantum, a multidisciplinary research initiative. He studies novel quantum technologies and fundamental physics at the nanoscale. He is proud to support his research community, and leads LeviNet, an international research network of over 70 institutions.
He completed his MSc in Physics at Imperial College London in 2007, and his PhD in experimental atomic physics at Durham University in 2011, under the supervision of Dr. M. P. A. Jones. During this work he created the world’s first gas of ultra-cold strontium Rydberg atoms.
In 2011 James moved to University College London, to work with Prof. Peter Barker in the new field of levitated optomechanics. In pioneering work, they used focussed laser beams and optical cavities to cool and control the motion of charged silica nanoparticles. Together with Dr. Janet Anders they undertook a paradigmatic study into the non-equilibrium dynamics of a Brownian particle.
James was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship to work in the Quantum Nanophysics group of Prof. Markus Arndt at the University of Vienna between 2015-2018. The group developed techniques which will enable the exploration of the mass limit of quantum physics in uncharted regimes. While in Vienna, James pioneered the study of rotational optomechanics, developing the most frequency stable mechanical object ever created.
To complement his research, James has fostered a keen interest in outreach, public engagement, and science communication, and is currently Lecturer in Quantum Theory to the Public at the Royal Institution. He runs The Quantum Workshop mobile experiment, has written for the Guardian and Physics World, and has acted as scientific advisor for two BBC documentaries. More details can be found on his personal websites:
www.levi-nano.com
www.thequantumworkshop.com
X: @QuantumWorkshop
James is an experimental quantum scientist at King's, and Director of King's Quantum, a multidisciplinary research initiative. He studies novel quantum technologies and fundamental physics at the nanoscale. He is proud to support his research community, and leads LeviNet, an international research network of over 70 institutions.
He completed his MSc in Physics at Imperial College London in 2007, and his PhD in experimental atomic physics at Durham University in 2011, under the supervision of Dr. M. P. A. Jones. During this work he created the world’s first gas of ultra-cold strontium Rydberg atoms.
In 2011 James moved to University College London, to work with Prof. Peter Barker in the new field of levitated optomechanics. In pioneering work, they used focussed laser beams and optical cavities to cool and control the motion of charged silica nanoparticles. Together with Dr. Janet Anders they undertook a paradigmatic study into the non-equilibrium dynamics of a Brownian particle.
James was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship to work in the Quantum Nanophysics group of Prof. Markus Arndt at the University of Vienna between 2015-2018. The group developed techniques which will enable the exploration of the mass limit of quantum physics in uncharted regimes. While in Vienna, James pioneered the study of rotational optomechanics, developing the most frequency stable mechanical object ever created.
To complement his research, James has fostered a keen interest in outreach, public engagement, and science communication, and is currently Lecturer in Quantum Theory to the Public at the Royal Institution. He runs The Quantum Workshop mobile experiment, has written for the Guardian and Physics World, and has acted as scientific advisor for two BBC documentaries. More details can be found on his personal websites:
www.levi-nano.com
www.thequantumworkshop.com
X: @QuantumWorkshop
Exploring the universe's mysteries: levitating nanosensors to expand our understanding of quantum physics
James is an experimental quantum scientist at King's, and Director of King's Quantum, a multidisciplinary research initiative. He studies novel quantum technologies and fundamental physics at the nanoscale. He is proud to support his research community, and leads LeviNet, an international research network of over 70 institutions.
He completed his MSc in Physics at Imperial College London in 2007, and his PhD in experimental atomic physics at Durham University in 2011, under the supervision of Dr. M. P. A. Jones. During this work he created the world’s first gas of ultra-cold strontium Rydberg atoms.
In 2011 James moved to University College London, to work with Prof. Peter Barker in the new field of levitated optomechanics. In pioneering work, they used focussed laser beams and optical cavities to cool and control the motion of charged silica nanoparticles. Together with Dr. Janet Anders they undertook a paradigmatic study into the non-equilibrium dynamics of a Brownian particle.
James was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship to work in the Quantum Nanophysics group of Prof. Markus Arndt at the University of Vienna between 2015-2018. The group developed techniques which will enable the exploration of the mass limit of quantum physics in uncharted regimes. While in Vienna, James pioneered the study of rotational optomechanics, developing the most frequency stable mechanical object ever created.
To complement his research, James has fostered a keen interest in outreach, public engagement, and science communication, and is currently Lecturer in Quantum Theory to the Public at the Royal Institution. He runs The Quantum Workshop mobile experiment, has written for the Guardian and Physics World, and has acted as scientific advisor for two BBC documentaries. More details can be found on his personal websites:
www.levi-nano.com
www.thequantumworkshop.com
X: @QuantumWorkshop
James is an experimental quantum scientist at King's, and Director of King's Quantum, a multidisciplinary research initiative. He studies novel quantum technologies and fundamental physics at the nanoscale. He is proud to support his research community, and leads LeviNet, an international research network of over 70 institutions.
He completed his MSc in Physics at Imperial College London in 2007, and his PhD in experimental atomic physics at Durham University in 2011, under the supervision of Dr. M. P. A. Jones. During this work he created the world’s first gas of ultra-cold strontium Rydberg atoms.
In 2011 James moved to University College London, to work with Prof. Peter Barker in the new field of levitated optomechanics. In pioneering work, they used focussed laser beams and optical cavities to cool and control the motion of charged silica nanoparticles. Together with Dr. Janet Anders they undertook a paradigmatic study into the non-equilibrium dynamics of a Brownian particle.
James was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship to work in the Quantum Nanophysics group of Prof. Markus Arndt at the University of Vienna between 2015-2018. The group developed techniques which will enable the exploration of the mass limit of quantum physics in uncharted regimes. While in Vienna, James pioneered the study of rotational optomechanics, developing the most frequency stable mechanical object ever created.
To complement his research, James has fostered a keen interest in outreach, public engagement, and science communication, and is currently Lecturer in Quantum Theory to the Public at the Royal Institution. He runs The Quantum Workshop mobile experiment, has written for the Guardian and Physics World, and has acted as scientific advisor for two BBC documentaries. More details can be found on his personal websites:
www.levi-nano.com
www.thequantumworkshop.com
X: @QuantumWorkshop
Deepening our understanding of quantum sensing capabilities and its applications to quantum physics.
Integrating event-based cameras and neuromorphic imaging into levitated sensors to enhance their precision and sensitivity.
Developing algorithms tailored for levitated sensor technology, to optimise data processing and analysis.
Producing a commercially viable sensor which is robust for multiple applications
This project marks a significant advancement in the development of quantum sensors by integrating neuromorphic imaging with levitated sensors. It would result in the development of highly robust sensors capable of detecting and tracking minute forces and movements with unprecedented precision.
Levitated sensors enhanced with neuromorphic imaging for precision sensing across science and technology
The project aims to combine advanced imaging technology - neuromorphic imaging, which, like the human brain, is alert to movement - with cutting-edge sensor technology in the form of levitated sensors - tiny glass spheres a few micrometres in size suspended by electromagnetic forces in a vacuum - to create a highly precise and robust sensing platform. Sensors levitated in a vacuum through electromagnetic forces or light offer a unique advantage over conventional sensors by being isolated from environmental noise, but available tracking algorithms are not effective enough to track the movement of the sensors. Through the integration of neuromorphic imaging and event-based cameras, this project will create a sensing system which excels in precision, speed and robustness. The research will also explore the potential for quantum compatibility, opening up exciting possibilities for ultra-sensitive quantum sensing applications capable of sensing individual photons of light, for example.
This project aims to integrate event-based cameras and neuromorphic imaging into levitated sensors, enhancing their precision, sensitivity, and overall capabilities. The research will also involve the development of effective algorithms, and will explore potential applications for the sensors in fields such as fundamental physics.
The versatility and precision of levitated sensors make them valuable tools in a wide range of applications, such as performing quantum mechanical experiments, sensing ultra-weak forces, and precision sensing & measurement more generally. Leveraging the robustness of levitated sensors, this research is able to address significant industrial challenges, such as the detection of forces of biological, chemical, or mechanical-origin gas flows and high-tech material development. Moreover, the application of levitated sensors has the capacity to revolutionise the applications that use accelerometers, gyroscopes, and navigation systems. An example is autonomous vehicle technology, where these sensors offer exceptionally reliable and GPS-independent positioning capabilities.
This project provides a rare insight into the furtherance of human understanding of quantum physics - the behaviour of particles and energy at the very smallest scale.
The impact of this project extends from dark matter to the deep space sphere. The science of levitated sensors opens up thrilling possibilities in quantum sensing in fields such as autonomous navigation, and environmental monitoring, from ultra-sensitive temperature monitoring to the detection of minute biological processes. In space, where accuracy in mass and volume is crucial1, levitated sensors could provide stability and could detect even the tiniest changes in gravity or gas flow that affect satellites.
The project is at the frontier of sensor technology, with far-reaching societal benefits.
References
Nanotechnologies, while promising for sensor development, often suffer from sensitivity to environmental noise due to their small size. Levitation technology overcomes this limitation by isolating sensors from their surroundings, providing a protective barrier against noise interference. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for building highly sensitive and practical sensors capable of detecting desired forces.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Levitated sensors are a type of sensor technology that operates by suspending the sensing element in a state of levitation, typically using magnetic or acoustic forces. In this project, the researcher will be using electromagnetic forces to suspend tiny glass spheres a few micrometres in size in a vacuum. By levitating the sensor, it becomes isolated from external disturbances such as vibrations and air currents, which can interfere with measurements in traditional sensors. The movement of the sensor is then tracked in order to provide a measurement of the force being exerted on it.
The isolation provided by a vacuum allows levitated sensors to achieve unparalleled levels of precision and sensitivity, making them ideal for applications where accurate detection of small forces or movements is crucial. These sensors have applications across various fields, including aerospace, medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and fundamental research in physics, biology and chemistry.
Levitated sensors are a type of sensor technology that operates by suspending the sensing element in a state of levitation, typically using magnetic or acoustic forces. In this project, the researcher will be using electromagnetic forces to suspend tiny glass spheres a few micrometres in size in a vacuum. By levitating the sensor, it becomes isolated from external disturbances such as vibrations and air currents, which can interfere with measurements in traditional sensors. The movement of the sensor is then tracked in order to provide a measurement of the force being exerted on it.
The isolation provided by a vacuum allows levitated sensors to achieve unparalleled levels of precision and sensitivity, making them ideal for applications where accurate detection of small forces or movements is crucial. These sensors have applications across various fields, including aerospace, medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and fundamental research in physics, biology and chemistry.
Sensor nanotechnology faces significant challenges, with noise being a primary concern for sensor researchers. Noise, or unwanted signals from the environment, such as heat, can distort sensor readings and hinder accuracy. This project aims to tackle noise-related challenges by levitating sensors in vacuums, enabling them to operate without physical contact with their surroundings. Levitated sensors are able to eliminate physical vibrations and collisions with gas molecules2, allowing for the precise detection of the desired forces while minimising interference from environmental noise sources.
Another challenge lies in the tracking of the movement of the sensor, where neuromorphic imaging and bespoke algorithms are required by high-precision sensors using levitated microparticles. While levitated sensors themselves are relatively simple, commercial tracking algorithms are complex and not well-suited for this application. The project addresses this by rewriting tracking algorithms to better align with the relative simplicity of levitated sensors, ensuring accurate and efficient tracking of microparticles.
Speed is a critical factor in sensor technology, especially for applications requiring real-time monitoring. However, existing neuromorphic detectors, while capable, are not optimised for high-speed operation. The project focuses on enhancing the speed of these detectors to meet the demands of levitated sensors, enabling rapid and precise data acquisition.
References
Sensor nanotechnology faces significant challenges, with noise being a primary concern for sensor researchers. Noise, or unwanted signals from the environment, such as heat, can distort sensor readings and hinder accuracy. This project aims to tackle noise-related challenges by levitating sensors in vacuums, enabling them to operate without physical contact with their surroundings. Levitated sensors are able to eliminate physical vibrations and collisions with gas molecules2, allowing for the precise detection of the desired forces while minimising interference from environmental noise sources.
Another challenge lies in the tracking of the movement of the sensor, where neuromorphic imaging and bespoke algorithms are required by high-precision sensors using levitated microparticles. While levitated sensors themselves are relatively simple, commercial tracking algorithms are complex and not well-suited for this application. The project addresses this by rewriting tracking algorithms to better align with the relative simplicity of levitated sensors, ensuring accurate and efficient tracking of microparticles.
Speed is a critical factor in sensor technology, especially for applications requiring real-time monitoring. However, existing neuromorphic detectors, while capable, are not optimised for high-speed operation. The project focuses on enhancing the speed of these detectors to meet the demands of levitated sensors, enabling rapid and precise data acquisition.
References
Quantum physics, also known as quantum mechanics, is the branch of physics that explores the fundamental behaviours of particles and energy at the smallest scales. It introduces a set of principles that govern the behaviour of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic levels, where classical physics principles break down.
Quantum physics, also known as quantum mechanics, is the branch of physics that explores the fundamental behaviours of particles and energy at the smallest scales. It introduces a set of principles that govern the behaviour of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic levels, where classical physics principles break down.
Optomechanics is a field of physics that focuses on the interaction between light (optical) and mechanical systems. It involves the use of light to control and manipulate the motion of mechanical objects, such as micro- and nano-scale particles. In optomechanical systems, light exerts forces on mechanical objects, leading to changes in their position, velocity, or other mechanical properties. This field has applications in various areas, including sensor technology, nanotechnology, and quantum information processing. In this research, optomechanics is leveraged to control the motion of levitated sensors, enhancing their stability and sensitivity. By introducing laser beams into the system, the sensors are stabilised after any disturbances, ensuring their readiness to detect even the smallest forces. Optomechanics also plays a role in the project by enabling the use of neuromorphic imaging.
Optomechanics is a field of physics that focuses on the interaction between light (optical) and mechanical systems. It involves the use of light to control and manipulate the motion of mechanical objects, such as micro- and nano-scale particles. In optomechanical systems, light exerts forces on mechanical objects, leading to changes in their position, velocity, or other mechanical properties. This field has applications in various areas, including sensor technology, nanotechnology, and quantum information processing. In this research, optomechanics is leveraged to control the motion of levitated sensors, enhancing their stability and sensitivity. By introducing laser beams into the system, the sensors are stabilised after any disturbances, ensuring their readiness to detect even the smallest forces. Optomechanics also plays a role in the project by enabling the use of neuromorphic imaging.
Neuromorphic imaging is a type of imaging technology inspired by the structure and function of biological neural systems, particularly the human brain. Unlike traditional imaging methods that capture and process every pixel in a scene, neuromorphic imaging systems focus on detecting changes and events in the visual scene, similar to how the human brain and eyes interact. This approach reduces the amount of data processed and transmitted, leading to faster and more energy-efficient imaging systems. Neuromorphic imaging is often used in applications where real-time processing and low power consumption are critical, such as robotics, surveillance, and autonomous vehicles. Unlike conventional cameras, which capture detailed images of their surroundings, neuromorphic detectors focus only on detecting changes, making them faster, more energy-efficient, and well-suited for tracking the motion of objects with precision and speed. Commercial devices incorporating neuromorphic sensors, known as event-based cameras, are available for various applications such as monitoring crowds, tracking objects on production lines, and observing traffic.
Event-based cameras are a specialised type of camera that incorporates neuromorphic detectors, offering unique advantages in object tracking and motion detection. When a change is detected within the camera's field of view by the neuromorphic detector, the event-based camera initiates tracking of all objects within that view, providing real-time information on their positions and movements. This technology is particularly valuable for understanding the motion of levitated sensors, enabling precise monitoring of disturbances to their movements over time. While traditional commercial systems are generic in their tracking capabilities, event-based cameras can be tailored with bespoke tracking algorithms to enhance the precision and speed of sensor tracking in specialised applications, such as tracking oscillating microparticles in electric fields.
Neuromorphic imaging is a type of imaging technology inspired by the structure and function of biological neural systems, particularly the human brain. Unlike traditional imaging methods that capture and process every pixel in a scene, neuromorphic imaging systems focus on detecting changes and events in the visual scene, similar to how the human brain and eyes interact. This approach reduces the amount of data processed and transmitted, leading to faster and more energy-efficient imaging systems. Neuromorphic imaging is often used in applications where real-time processing and low power consumption are critical, such as robotics, surveillance, and autonomous vehicles. Unlike conventional cameras, which capture detailed images of their surroundings, neuromorphic detectors focus only on detecting changes, making them faster, more energy-efficient, and well-suited for tracking the motion of objects with precision and speed. Commercial devices incorporating neuromorphic sensors, known as event-based cameras, are available for various applications such as monitoring crowds, tracking objects on production lines, and observing traffic.
Event-based cameras are a specialised type of camera that incorporates neuromorphic detectors, offering unique advantages in object tracking and motion detection. When a change is detected within the camera's field of view by the neuromorphic detector, the event-based camera initiates tracking of all objects within that view, providing real-time information on their positions and movements. This technology is particularly valuable for understanding the motion of levitated sensors, enabling precise monitoring of disturbances to their movements over time. While traditional commercial systems are generic in their tracking capabilities, event-based cameras can be tailored with bespoke tracking algorithms to enhance the precision and speed of sensor tracking in specialised applications, such as tracking oscillating microparticles in electric fields.
The output of the research yields a range of promising applications for levitated sensors. Levitated sensors’ potential for high precision and sensitivity makes them ideal for fundamental physics experiments and industrial applications.
Levitated sensors offer robustness, capable of withstanding everyday use, making them suitable for integration into devices like smartphones. Levitated sensors have significant implications for various fields, from optimising industrial processes to advancing climate science and revolutionising navigation technology. The integration of quantum sensors into real-world applications, such as brain scanning and underground water detection, highlights their potential impact on society. Overall, the research demonstrates the transformative capabilities of levitated sensors across multiple domains, offering novel solutions to complex challenges and paving the way for future innovations in sensing technology.
The output of the research yields a range of promising applications for levitated sensors. Levitated sensors’ potential for high precision and sensitivity makes them ideal for fundamental physics experiments and industrial applications.
Levitated sensors offer robustness, capable of withstanding everyday use, making them suitable for integration into devices like smartphones. Levitated sensors have significant implications for various fields, from optimising industrial processes to advancing climate science and revolutionising navigation technology. The integration of quantum sensors into real-world applications, such as brain scanning and underground water detection, highlights their potential impact on society. Overall, the research demonstrates the transformative capabilities of levitated sensors across multiple domains, offering novel solutions to complex challenges and paving the way for future innovations in sensing technology.
This research project sits at the boundary between fundamental research and applied science, and Science Card will really help us take this project - which has come out of fundamental science and is now moving towards application support - and help us find application areas. Building levitated sensors with intelligent neuromorphic readout and control does not benefit any one particular area of sensing more than another – rather, it's an entirely new and improved platform for sensing generally. Working with a partner like Science Card is essential in finding those application areas that will naturally emerge from this research.
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