Quantum measurement method and quantum measurement flow channel device

Abstract

The present invention achieves quantum measurement with higher time resolution than in the past. This quantum measurement method measures a state change of an object (O) transported by a fluid, by using a plurality of quantum sensors (QSi) disposed along a flow path through which the fluid flows, and the method includes: an introduction step (S11) for introducing the object into the flow path; a measurement step (S12) for measuring the intensity of fluorescence emitted by each quantum sensor when illuminated with excitation light; and an estimation step (S13) for estimating the state of the object from the intensity of the fluorescence at times when a time (ti) required for the introduced object to be transported to each quantum sensor has elapsed.

Description

Quantum measurement method and flow channel device for quantum measurement

[0001] This invention relates to a quantum measurement method and a flow channel device for quantum measurement.

[0002] One method for measuring the state of an object is quantum measurement using quantum sensors. In quantum measurement, the quantum state of a quantum sensor (for example, an NV center in a diamond crystal) (for example, the electron spin state) is estimated from the intensity of fluorescence emitted by the quantum sensor when it is irradiated with excitation light. For example, a fluorescence microscope is used to measure the intensity of fluorescence emitted by a quantum sensor (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5476206

[0004] The time resolution of quantum measurement depends on the intensity of the fluorescence emitted by the quantum sensor. For example, if the fluorescence intensity emitted by the quantum sensor is 10 ６ When the number of photons per second is on the order of photons, the time resolution of quantum measurement is milliseconds (10⁻¹⁰ －３ The time resolution is approximately 1 nanosecond (10⁻¹⁰ seconds), and quantum measurements with higher time resolution than that are impossible or difficult to achieve. For example, 1 nanosecond (10⁻¹⁰ seconds). －９ The number of fluorescence photons emitted by the quantum sensor in seconds is 10 －３ Because the number of particles is only about 10, it is not possible to measure the intensity of fluorescence, and as a result, quantum measurement with a time resolution of about nanoseconds is not feasible. －６ Since a quantum sensor emits only about one fluorescent photon per second, it is difficult to measure the intensity of fluorescence, and as a result, quantum measurements with a time resolution of around nanoseconds are difficult to achieve.

[0005] As an example, when measuring the state of a cell by quantum measurement, the intensity of the fluorescence emitted by the quantum sensor is at most about 10^6 photons / second. This is because if the intensity of the excitation light irradiated to obtain fluorescence of a higher intensity is increased, the influence on physical and biochemical parameters becomes too large (for example, excessive heat generation, cell damage, etc.). Therefore, the limit of the time resolution for performing quantum measurement of cells is about milliseconds. On the other hand, biological dynamics occur on a time scale of less than milliseconds. As an example, DNA reactions and enzyme reactions occur on a nanosecond time scale. In order to enable the observation of such phenomena, a quantum measurement method beyond the above-mentioned limit of time resolution is required.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to realize quantum measurement with higher time resolution than before.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a quantum measurement method according to one aspect of the present invention is a quantum measurement method for measuring a change in the state of an object O transported by a fluid, using a plurality of quantum sensors QS １ , QS ２ , …, QS ｎ (n is an arbitrary natural number of 2 or more) arranged along a flow path through which the fluid flows, the method including: an input step of inputting an object O taking an initial state φ ０ into the flow path; a measurement step of measuring the intensity of fluorescence emitted by each quantum sensor QS ｉ (i is each natural number from 1 to n) when irradiated with excitation light; and a time t ｉ required for the fluid to transport the object O input into the flow path in the input step to each quantum sensor QS ｉ , and estimating the state φ ０ of the object O at a time when a time t ｉ has elapsed from the time when the object O takes the initial state φ ｉ as φ ｉ , and estimating the state φ ｉ of the object O from the intensity of fluorescence emitted by each quantum sensor QS

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, quantum measurement with higher time resolution than before can be realized.

[0009] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a quantum measurement channel device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view of the channel of the quantum measurement channel device shown in Figure 1. This is a flowchart showing the flow of a quantum measurement method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the channel in each step included in the quantum measurement method shown in Figure 3. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a quantum measurement channel device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view of the channel of the quantum measurement channel device shown in Figure 5. This is a flowchart showing the flow of a quantum measurement method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the channel in each step included in the quantum measurement method shown in Figure 7. This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the channel in each step included in the quantum measurement method shown in Figure 7. This is a plan view of a quantum measurement channel device according to one embodiment of the first embodiment.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0011] (Configuration of the quantum measurement channel device) The configuration of the quantum measurement channel device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. In Figure 1, (a) is a plan view of the quantum measurement channel device 1, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the quantum measurement channel device 1, and (c) is a pillar P provided in the quantum measurement channel device 1. ｉ This is a schematic diagram.

[0012] The quantum measurement fluid channel device 1 is a plate-shaped structure with a fluid channel 10 formed inside. The quantum measurement device 1 is configured such that fluid F flows in from one end of the fluid channel 10 and flows out from the other end of the fluid channel 10. The object O to be measured is transported from one end of the fluid channel 10 to the other end by this fluid F.

[0013] The quantum measurement channel device 1 consists of multiple pillars P arranged inside the channel 10 along the flow of fluid F. １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ It is equipped with, where n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2. Each pillar P ｉ This is a structure that protrudes from the bottom surface of the flow path 10 toward the center of the flow path 10. Each pillar Pｉ The shape is, for example, conical. Here, i is each natural number between 1 and n (inclusive).

[0014] Furthermore, the quantum measurement channel device 1 includes multiple quantum sensors QS arranged inside the channel 10 along the flow of the fluid F. １ QS ２ , ..., QS ｎ It is equipped with each quantum sensor QS ｉ This refers to the pillar P mentioned above. ｉ It is located at the tip of the structure.

[0015] Each quantum sensor QS ｉ Pillar P ｉ The reason it is located at the tip is to allow the object O transported by the fluid F and the quantum sensor QS ｉ This facilitates contact or proximity between the object O transported by the fluid F and the quantum sensor QS. ｉ This is to facilitate interaction with. From this perspective, pillar P ｉ From the surface of the quantum sensor QS ｉ The distance to the quantum sensor QSi (depth) is preferably 10 nm or less.

[0016] In this embodiment, each pillar P ｉ For example, it is composed of a diamond crystal, and each quantum sensor QS ｉ For example, this is an NV Center (Nitrogen Vacancy Center). In this case, each quantum sensor QS ｉ By reading the electron spin state, the quantum sensor QS ｉ Contact or approach to its quantum sensor QS ｉ The state of object O interacting with it can be estimated. In this case, the entire quantum measurement channel device 1 may be made of diamond crystal.

[0017] (State changes of the object being transported through the channel) The state changes of the object O being transported through the channel 10 of the quantum measurement channel device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the channel 10 of the quantum measurement channel device 1.

[0018] In the quantum measurement channel device 1, the initial state φ０ An object O is introduced into one end of the flow path 10. The object O introduced into the flow path 10 is transported by the fluid F from one end of the flow path 10 to the other end of the flow path 10. Subsequently, the fluid F transports the object O introduced into the flow path 10 to the quantum sensor QS. ｉ The time required to transport to [location] ｉ Let's assume the initial state φ. ０ From the time taken to time t ｉ The state that object O takes at the time elapsed by φ is defined as φ. ｉ Let's assume that the time evolution of object O is determined by the time evolution operator g. ｔｉ If it can be expressed by, state φ ｉ is φ ｉ = g ｔｉ φ ０ It can be expressed as follows.

[0019] Time t ０ At time t ０ +t １ In quantum sensor QS １ Contact or approach to the quantum sensor QS １ It interacts with. At this time, the state of object O is state φ １ = g ｔ１ φ ０ And, quantum sensor QS １ The quantum state of is the state of the object φ １ Quantum state ψ corresponding to １ It changes to Quantum Sensor QS １ The quantum state is quantum state ψ １ While maintained, the quantum sensor QS １ If we read out the quantum state of ψ, we can read out the quantum state ψ １ From the state of object O φ １ It is possible to estimate this.

[0020] Similarly, time t ０ At time t ０ +t ２ In quantum sensor QS ２ Contact or approach to the quantum sensor QS ２ It interacts with. At this time, the state of object O is state φ ２ = g ｔ２ φ０ and the quantum state of the quantum sensor QS ２ changes to a quantum state ψ corresponding to the state φ of the object ２ . Therefore, if the quantum state of the quantum sensor QS is read while the quantum state of the quantum sensor QS is maintained at the quantum state ψ ２ , the state φ of the object O can be estimated from the read quantum state ψ ２ . ２ ２ . ２ ２

[0021] Generally, an object O introduced into the flow path 10 at time t ０ contacts or approaches the quantum sensor QS at time t ０ + t ｉ and interacts with the quantum sensor QS ｉ . At this time, the state of the object O is the state φ ｉ = g ｉ φ ｔｉ ０ , and the quantum state of the quantum sensor QS ｉ changes to a quantum state ψ corresponding to the state φ of the object ｉ . Therefore, if the quantum state of the quantum sensor QS is read while the quantum state of the quantum sensor QS is maintained at the quantum state ψ ｉ , the state φ of the object O can be estimated from the read quantum state ψ ｉ . ｉ ｉ . ｉ ｉ

[0022] Incidentally, the time resolution T in the state measurement of the object O using the flow path 10 is given by, for example, T = max[t ２ - t １ , t ３ - t ２ , …, t ｎ - t ｎ－１ . If the interval between adjacent quantum sensors QS ｉ＋１ , QS ｉ is narrowed, or if the transport speed of the object O is increased, the time resolution T becomes higher (shorter time). Conversely, if the interval between adjacent quantum sensors QS ｉ＋１ , QS ｉ ​​​​​​​If the interval between objects is widened, or if the transport speed of object O is slowed down, the time resolution T will decrease (become longer in time).

[0023] (Flow of Quantum Measurement Method) The quantum measurement method S1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the quantum measurement method S1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the flow path 10 in each step included in the quantum measurement method S1.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the quantum measurement method S1 includes a feeding step S11, a measurement step S12, and an estimation step S13.

[0025] The input process S11 is a process in which multiple objects O are sequentially introduced into the flow path 10, as shown in Figure 4. Each object O introduced into the flow path 10 is in an initial state φ at the time of introduction into the flow path 10. ０ The input process S11 is performed as shown in Figure 3, with each quantum sensor QS ｉ This process continues until the measurement step S12 is completed. As a result, a steady distribution of object O is formed inside the flow path 10, as shown in Figure 4.

[0026] Measurement step S12 is performed as shown in Figure 3, for each quantum sensor QS ｉ This will be implemented against the quantum sensor QS. ｉ The measurement step S12 for this is as shown in Figure 4, where the excitation light PL is connected to the quantum sensor QS ｉ At the same time, the quantum sensor QS is irradiated. ｉ This is a process for measuring the intensity of the fluorescence FL emitted by the quantum sensor QS. ｉ In the measurement process S12 for the quantum sensor QS, the time for irradiating with excitation light is hereinafter referred to as QS ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ It should be written as follows.

[0027] The measurement process S12 is performed while a steady distribution of object O is formed inside the flow path 10, as shown in Figure 4. As explained with reference to Figure 2, at this time the quantum sensor QS ｉ The state of an object interacting with it is state φ ｉ Therefore, in measurement step S12, the quantum sensor QS ｉIt takes on a quantum state ψi corresponding to the state φi of object O.

[0028] The measurement process S12 for each quantum sensor QSi may be performed in parallel or serially. Furthermore, if performed serially, the order in which the measurement process S12 for each quantum sensor QSi is performed is arbitrary.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, estimation step S13 involves each quantum sensor QS ｉ This will be implemented against the quantum sensor QS. ｉ The estimation step S13 for the quantum sensor QS measured in the measurement step S12 is performed. ｉ The state of object O can be determined from the intensity of the fluorescence emitted. ｉ This is the process of estimating the quantum sensor QS. ｉ This is the state of object O φ ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ Therefore, the quantum sensor QS measured in measurement step S12 is taken. ｉ From the intensity of the fluorescence emitted, the quantum sensor QS ｉ ψ of quantum state ｉ It is possible to estimate this, and furthermore, the quantum sensor QS ｉ ψ of quantum state ｉ Therefore, the state of object O φ ｉ It is possible to estimate this.

[0030] A point of interest in the quantum measurement method S1 is that each quantum sensor QS ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ , time difference t ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ The advantage is that it can be set independently of the time resolution T of the quantum measurement, which is determined by the time difference t. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ If the time resolution T of a quantum measurement is uniform, then, for example, T = t ２ -t １ = t ３-t ２ =...=t ｎ -t ｎ－１ Defined by the time difference t. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ If the time resolution T of the quantum measurement is not uniform, the time resolution T is, for example, T = max[t]. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ ], T = min[t ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ ], T = ave[t ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ Defined by ].

[0031] For example, each quantum sensor QS ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ This allows the time to be set to a longer duration than the time resolution T in quantum measurement. ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ While maintaining this for a sufficiently long time, the time resolution T in measuring the state of object O can be set to a sufficiently high (sufficiently short) time. As an example, quantum sensor QS ｉ The irradiation time of the excitation light τ ｉ While maintaining a timescale of approximately milliseconds, the time resolution T in measuring the state of object O can be reduced to approximately microseconds or nanoseconds. This makes it possible, for example, to observe various processes occurring on a timescale of less than milliseconds in quantum measurements of cells (object O).

[0032] [Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0033] The configuration of the quantum measurement channel device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. In Figure 5, (a) is a plan view of the quantum measurement channel device 2, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the quantum measurement channel device 2, and (c) is a pillar P provided by the quantum measurement channel device 2. ｉ This is a schematic diagram.

[0034] The quantum measurement channel device 2 is a plate-shaped structure with a channel 20 formed inside. The quantum measurement device 1 is configured such that fluid F flows in from one end of the channel 20 and flows out from the other end of the channel 20. The object O to be measured is transported from one end of the channel 20 to the other by this fluid F.

[0035] The quantum measurement channel device 2 consists of multiple pillars P arranged inside the channel 20 along the flow of the fluid F. １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ It is equipped with, where n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2. Each pillar P ｉ This is a structure that protrudes from the bottom surface of the flow path 20 toward the center of the flow path 20. Each pillar P ｉ The shape is, for example, conical. Here, i is each natural number between 1 and n (inclusive).

[0036] Furthermore, the quantum measurement channel device 2 includes multiple quantum sensors QS arranged inside the channel 20 along the flow of the fluid F. １ QS ２ , ..., QS ｎ In addition, each quantum sensor QS ｉ Quantum memory QM that interacts with ｉ It is equipped with each quantum sensor QS ｉ This refers to the pillar P mentioned above. ｉ It is located at the tip of each quantum memory QM ｉ This is the quantum memory QM ｉ QS, a quantum sensor that interacts with it ｉ Same pillar P ｉ It is located at the tip of the structure.

[0037] Each quantum sensor QS ｉ Pillar P ｉThe reason it is located at the tip is to allow the object O transported by the fluid F and the quantum sensor QS ｉ This facilitates contact or proximity between the object O transported by the fluid F and the quantum sensor QS. ｉ This is to facilitate interaction with each quantum memory QM. ｉ The quantum memory QM ｉ QS, a quantum sensor that interacts with it ｉ Same pillar P ｉ The reason it is located at the tip is the quantum sensor QS ｉ and quantum memory QM ｉ This is to facilitate interaction with it.

[0038] In this embodiment, each pillar P ｉ For example, it is composed of a diamond crystal, and each quantum sensor QS ｉ For example, an NV Center (Nitrogen Vacancy Center) and each quantum memory QM ｉ For example, １５ It is a nitrogen atom. １５ The relaxation time of the nuclear spin of an N atom is longer than the relaxation time of the electron spin of an NV center, １５ N atoms function suitably as quantum memory for storing the electron spin state of NV centers. In this case, the entire quantum measurement channel device 2 may be constructed from a diamond crystal.

[0039] Note: Quantum sensor QS ｉ As such, an NV center is used, and quantum memory QM ｉ as １５ Using N atoms requires a quantum sensor QS ｉ and quantum memory QM ｉ This has the advantage of allowing for strong and uniform interaction with each pillar P. ｉ Quantum sensor QS in ｉ and quantum memory QM ｉ If the interaction with each pillar P is uniform, ｉ Quantum sensor QS in ｉ and quantum memory QM ｉThese can be operated using high-frequency signals with the same frequency but different pulse widths (write pulse PR and read pulse WP, described later).

[0040] (State changes of the object being transported through the channel) The state changes of the object O being transported through the channel 20 of the quantum measurement channel device 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the channel 20 of the quantum measurement channel device 2.

[0041] In the quantum measurement channel device 2, the initial state φ ０ An object O is introduced into one end of the flow path 20. The object O introduced into the flow path 20 is transported by the fluid F from one end of the flow path 20 to the other end of the flow path 20. Subsequently, the fluid F transports the object O introduced into the flow path 20 to the quantum sensor QS. ｉ The time required to transport to [location] ｉ Let's assume the initial state φ. ０ From the time taken to time t ｉ The state that object O takes at the time elapsed by φ is defined as φ. ｉ Let's assume that the time evolution of object O is determined by the time evolution operator g. ｔｉ If it can be expressed by, state φ ｉ is φ ｉ = g ｔｉ φ ０ It can be expressed as follows.

[0042] Time t ０ At time t ０ +t １ In quantum sensor QS １ Contact or approach to the quantum sensor QS １ It interacts with. At this time, the state of object O is state φ １ = g ｔ１ φ ０ And, quantum sensor QS １ The quantum state of is the state of the object φ １ Quantum state ψ corresponding to １ It changes to Quantum Sensor QS １ The quantum state is quantum state ψ １ If a predetermined write pulse RP is irradiated while it is being maintained, the quantum sensor QS １ ψ of quantum state １Quantum Memory QM １ To transcribe to, that is, quantum memory QM １ The quantum state of the quantum sensor QS １ ψ of quantum state １ The corresponding quantum state ψ' １ It can be changed to a quantum memory QM. １ The quantum state is quantum state ψ' １ If a predetermined readout pulse WP is irradiated while it is being maintained, the quantum memory QM １ ψ' quantum state １ Quantum Sensor QS １ To transfer to, that is, quantum sensor QS １ The quantum state of the object is the state of the object φ １ Quantum state ψ corresponding to １ It can be restored to this state. Therefore, the quantum sensor QS １ The quantum state is quantum state ψ １ While maintained, the quantum sensor QS １ If we read out the quantum state of ψ, we can read out the quantum state ψ １ From the state of object O φ １ This can be estimated. Furthermore, for the write pulse PR and read pulse WR, for example, high-frequency signals with the same frequency but different pulse sequences (e.g., different number of pulses or pulse intervals) can be used.

[0043] Similarly, time t ０ At time t ０ +t ２ In quantum sensor QS ２ Contact or approach to the quantum sensor QS ２ It interacts with. At this time, the state of object O is state φ ２ = g ｔ２ φ ０ And, quantum sensor QS ２ The quantum state is the state φ of object O. ２ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ２ It changes to Quantum Sensor QS ２ The quantum state is quantum state ψ ２ If a predetermined write pulse RP is irradiated while it is being maintained, the quantum sensor QS ２ψ of quantum state ２ Quantum Memory QM ２ To transcribe to, that is, quantum memory QM ２ The quantum state of the quantum sensor QS ２ ψ of quantum state ２ The corresponding quantum state ψ' ２ It can be changed to a quantum memory QM. ２ The quantum state is quantum state ψ' ２ If a predetermined readout pulse WP is irradiated while it is being maintained, the quantum memory QM ２ ψ' quantum state ２ Quantum Sensor QS ２ To transfer to, that is, quantum sensor QS ２ The quantum state of object O is the state φ ２ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ２ It can be restored to this state. Therefore, the quantum sensor QS ２ The quantum state is quantum state ψ ２ While maintained, the quantum sensor QS ２ If we read out the quantum state of ψ, we can read out the quantum state ψ ２ From the state of object O φ ２ It is possible to estimate this.

[0044] Generally, time t ０ At time t ０ +t ｉ In quantum sensor QS ｉ Contact or approach of the quantum sensor QS ｉ It interacts with. At this time, the state of object O is state φ ｉ = g ｔｉ φ ０ And, quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum state of is the state of the object φ ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ It changes to Quantum Sensor QS ｉ The quantum state is quantum state ψ ｉ If a predetermined write pulse RP is irradiated while it is being maintained, the quantum sensor QS ｉ ψ of quantum state ｉ Quantum Memory QM ｉ To transcribe to, that is, quantum memory QM ｉThe quantum state of the quantum sensor QS ｉ ψ of quantum state ｉ The corresponding quantum state ψ' ｉ It can be changed to a quantum memory QM. ｉ The quantum state is quantum state ψ' ｉ If a predetermined readout pulse WP is irradiated while it is being maintained, the quantum memory QM ｉ ψ' quantum state ｉ Quantum Sensor QS ｉ To transfer to, that is, quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum state of object O is the state φ ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ It can be restored to this state. Therefore, the quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum state is quantum state ψ ｉ While maintained, the quantum sensor QS ｉ If we read out the quantum state of ψ, we can read out the quantum state ψ ｉ From the state of object O φ ｉ It is possible to estimate this.

[0045] The time resolution T in measuring the state of object O using the flow path 10 is, for example, T = max[t]. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ It is given by ]. Adjacent quantum sensor QS ｉ＋１ QS ｉ Narrowing the interval between them, or increasing the transport speed of object O, will increase the time resolution T (the time becomes shorter). Conversely, if the interval between adjacent quantum sensors QS ｉ＋１ QS ｉ If the interval between objects is widened, or if the transport speed of object O is slowed down, the time resolution T will decrease (become longer in time).

[0046] (Flow of Quantum Measurement Method) The quantum measurement method S2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the quantum measurement method S2. Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing the flow path 20 in each step included in the quantum measurement method S2.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the quantum measurement method S2 includes a data input step S21, a writing step S22, a reading step S23, a measurement step S24, and an estimation step S25.

[0048] The input process S21 is a process of introducing a single object O into the flow path 20, as shown in Figure 8. The object O introduced into the flow path 20 is in an initial state φ at the time of introduction into the flow path 20. ０ Take it.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the writing process S22 involves each quantum sensor QS ｉ This will be implemented against the quantum sensor QS. ｉ The writing process S22 for the quantum sensor QS is as shown in Figure 8, by sending a predetermined writing pulse WP to the quantum sensor QS. ｉ By irradiating it, the quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum state of the quantum memory QM ｉ This is the process of transferring the image to the next element.

[0050] Quantum Sensor QS ｉ The writing process S22 for this is performed at time t, as shown in Figure 8. ０ In this case, the object O introduced into the flow path 20 is detected by the quantum sensor QS ｉ The time t = t when contact or approach occurs. ０ +t ｉ This is carried out in the following location. As explained with reference to Figure 6, at this time, the state of object O interacting with the quantum sensor QSi is state φ ｉ Therefore, the quantum sensor QS ｉ In the writing process S22 for the quantum sensor QS ｉ This is the state of object O φ ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ To obtain this, the quantum sensor QS ｉ In the writing process S22 for the quantum memory QM ｉ The quantum sensor QS is transferred to ｉ The quantum state is the state φ of object O. ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ This is the result.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the reading process S23 and the measurement process S24 are performed by each quantum sensor QS ｉ This will be implemented against the quantum sensor QS.ｉ As shown in Figure 9, the reading process S23 involves a predetermined reading pulse RP being sent to the quantum sensor QS ｉ By irradiating it, the quantum memory QM ｉ The quantum state of the quantum sensor QS ｉ This is the process of transferring data to the quantum sensor QS. ｉ The measurement step S24 for this is as shown in Figure 9, where the excitation light PL is connected to the quantum sensor QS ｉ At the same time, the quantum sensor QS is irradiated. ｉ This is a process for measuring the intensity of the fluorescence FL emitted by the quantum sensor QS. ｉ In the measurement process S24 for the quantum sensor QS, the time for irradiating with excitation light is referred to below as QS ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ It should be written as follows.

[0052] Quantum Sensor QS ｉ The reading process S23 for the quantum sensor QS ｉ After the writing process S22 for the quantum memory QM is completed, ｉ This is carried out during the relaxation period. Here, quantum memory QM ｉ The relaxation time is the quantum memory QM ｉ This is a time that serves as an estimate of how long the quantum state is maintained, for example, in quantum memory QM ｉ The longitudinal relaxation time (spin-lattice relaxation time) T1 or the transverse relaxation time (spin-spin relaxation time) T2. Therefore, in the readout process S23, the quantum memory QM ｉ From Quantum Sensor QS ｉ The quantum state transferred to the quantum sensor QS in the writing process S22 ｉ From quantum memory QM ｉ The quantum state that is transferred to it, that is, the state φ of object O. ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ It will become.

[0053] Also, the quantum sensor QS ｉ The measurement process S24 for the quantum sensor QS ｉ After the reading process S23 for the quantum sensor QS ｉ This is carried out during the relaxation period. Here, the quantum sensor QS ｉThe relaxation time is the time of the quantum sensor QS ｉ This is a time that serves as an estimate of how long the quantum state of a quantum sensor is maintained. For example, the QS ｉ This is the longitudinal relaxation time (spin-lattice relaxation time) T1, or the transverse relaxation time (spin-spin relaxation time) T2. Therefore, the quantum sensor QS ｉ In the measurement process S24 for the quantum sensor QS ｉ It takes on a quantum state ψi corresponding to the state φi of object O.

[0054] Note: Quantum sensor QS ｉ The reading process S23 and measurement process S24 for the quantum memory QM ｉ This may be repeated during the period of relaxation.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, estimation step S25 involves each quantum sensor QS ｉ This will be implemented against the quantum sensor QS. ｉ The estimation step S25 for the quantum sensor QS measured in the measurement step S24 ｉ The state of object O can be determined from the intensity of the fluorescence emitted. ｉ This is the process of estimating the quantum sensor QS. As described above, in the measurement process S24, the quantum sensor QS ｉ This is the state of object O φ ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ Therefore, the quantum sensor QS measured in measurement step S24 is taken. ｉ From the intensity of the fluorescence emitted, the quantum sensor QS ｉ ψ of quantum state ｉ It is possible to estimate this, and furthermore, the quantum sensor QS ｉ ψ of quantum state ｉ Therefore, the state of object O φ ｉ It is possible to estimate this.

[0056] A point of interest in the quantum measurement method S2 is each quantum sensor QS ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ , time difference t ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１The advantage is that it can be set independently of the time resolution T of the quantum measurement, which is determined by the time difference t. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ If the time resolution T of a quantum measurement is uniform, then, for example, T = t ２ -t １ = t ３ -t ２ =...=t ｎ -t ｎ－１ Defined by the time difference t. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ If the time resolution T of the quantum measurement is not uniform, the time resolution T is, for example, T = max[t]. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ ], T = min[t ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ ], T = ave[t ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ Defined by ].

[0057] For example, each quantum sensor QS ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ This allows the time to be set to a longer duration than the time resolution T in quantum measurement. ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ While maintaining this for a sufficiently long time, the time resolution T in measuring the state of object O can be set to a sufficiently high (sufficiently short) time. As an example, quantum sensor QS ｉ The irradiation time of the excitation light τ ｉWhile maintaining a timescale of approximately milliseconds, the time resolution T for measuring the state of object O can be reduced to approximately microseconds or nanoseconds. This makes it possible to observe various processes occurring on a sub-millisecond timescale, for example, in quantum measurements of molecules, proteins, and cells (object O).

[0058] In the quantum measurement method S1 according to the first embodiment, it is necessary to form a steady-state distribution of object O within the channel 10. Therefore, in the quantum measurement method S1 according to the first embodiment, the target of quantum measurement is limited to objects O for which multiple samples with uniform quantum states can be prepared. On the other hand, in the quantum measurement method S2 according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to form a steady-state distribution of object O within the channel 10. Therefore, in the quantum measurement method S2 according to this embodiment, objects O for which only a single sample can be prepared can also be the target of quantum measurement. This significantly broadens the range of objects that can be measured by quantum measurement.

[0059] [Example] An embodiment of the quantum measurement channel device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a plan view of the quantum measurement channel device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0060] The quantum measurement channel device 1 according to this embodiment is a microfluidic device for observing the reaction process between molecules Oa and Ob, and comprises a first channel 10a, a second channel 10b, and a third channel 10c. The first channel 10a is a channel for introducing molecules Oa, and the second channel 10b is a channel for introducing molecules Ob. Molecules Oa and Ob are mixed at the confluence point 10d of the first channel 10a and the second channel 10b, and the mixture Oc of molecules Oa and Ob is introduced into the third channel 10c.

[0061] The quantum measurement channel device 1 according to this embodiment has multiple pillars P arranged along the third channel 10c. １ , P ２ , ..., P ８ It is equipped with each pillar P ｉ At its tip is the quantum sensor QS ｉ A system is in place.

[0062] Pillar P１ The position is determined by the quantum sensor QS at time t=0μs when the mixture Oc introduced from the confluence point 10d into the third channel 10c is at time t=1μs. １ It is determined to reach [the target]. Therefore, the quantum sensor QS １ The quantum state is the state of the mixture Oc φ 1 μs after the start of the reaction. １ The quantum state ψ1 corresponds to this.

[0063] Similarly, pillar P ２ The position is determined by the quantum sensor QS at time t=0μs when the mixture Oc introduced from the confluence point 10d into the third channel 10c is at time t=2μs. ２ It is determined to reach [the target]. Therefore, the quantum sensor QS ２ The quantum state of the mixture Oc 2 μs after the start of the reaction corresponds to the quantum state ψ2, which is φ2.

[0064] Generally, pillar P ｉ The position is determined by the quantum sensor QS at time t = iμs when the mixture Oc introduced from the confluence point 10d into the third channel 10c is at time t = iμs. ｉ It is determined to reach [the target]. Therefore, the quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum state is the state of the mixture Oc iμs after the start of the reaction φ ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ This is the result.

[0065] Using the quantum measurement channel device 1 according to this embodiment, the reaction process between molecule Oa and molecule Ob can be observed with a time resolution of 1 μs. Moreover, each quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum state is the state of mixture Oc iμs after the start of the reaction, while a steady distribution of mixture Oc is formed in the third channel 10c. ｉ Quantum state ψ corresponding to ｉ It is maintained in this state. Therefore, each quantum sensor QS ｉ Excitation light irradiation time τ ｉ This can be set to a time longer than 1 microsecond, for example, 1 millisecond. Therefore, the state of the mixture Oc φ after 1 microsecond, 2 microseconds, ..., 8 microseconds from the start of the reaction can be determined. １ ､φ ２ , ..., φｎ It can measure reliably and accurately.

[0066] The objects of observation in the quantum measurement channel devices 1 and 2 are arbitrary. Using the quantum measurement channel devices 1 and 2, it is possible to observe protein dynamics and various biological reactions. In particular, when observing intracellular biological reactions (e.g., molecular-protein reactions), Pillar P ｉ Quantum sensor QS at the tip ｉ The configuration that includes pillar P is advantageous. ｉ By inserting it into cells, the quantum sensor QS ｉ This is because it can be placed inside the cell. Quantum sensor QS ｉ Observing intracellular biological reactions using this method can be applied, for example, to cell screening and intracellular disease diagnosis.

[0067] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0068] [Summary] The quantum measurement method according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is a plurality of quantum sensors QS arranged along a fluid flow path. １ QS ２ , ..., QS ｎ A quantum measurement method for measuring the state change of an object O transported by the fluid, using (where n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2), wherein the initial state is φ ０ An input step of introducing an object O into the flow channel, and when excitation light is irradiated, each quantum sensor QS ｉ A measurement step to measure the intensity of fluorescence emitted by (i is any natural number between 1 and n) and a step in which the fluid reacts to the object O introduced into the flow path in the introduction step with each quantum sensor QS ｉ The time required to transport to [location] ｉ Initial state φ ０ From the time taken to time t ｉ The state that object O takes at the time elapsed by φ is defined as φ. ｉAs such, each quantum sensor QS measured in the measurement process ｉ The state of object O can be determined from the intensity of the fluorescence emitted. ｉ The present invention is characterized by including an estimation step for estimating the following:

[0069] The quantum measurement method according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, in embodiment 1, comprises each quantum sensor QS in the measurement step. ｉ The time for irradiating with excitation light is the time difference t. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ It is characterized by having a time resolution longer than that of the measurement determined by the above.

[0070] The quantum measurement method according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the input step is performed so that a steady distribution of object O is formed inside the flow path, with an initial state φ ０ This is a process of sequentially introducing multiple objects O into the flow path, each quantum sensor QS ｉ The measurement step for the object O is characterized in that it is performed while the steady-state distribution of the object O is formed inside the flow path.

[0071] The quantum measurement method according to embodiment 4 of the present invention is, in embodiment 1 or 2, each quantum sensor QS ｉ By irradiating it with a writing pulse, the quantum sensor QS ｉ Interacting with quantum memory QM ｉ Quantum sensor QS ｉ A writing process to transfer the quantum state of each quantum sensor QS ｉ By irradiating it with a readout pulse, the quantum sensor QS ｉ Quantum memory QM ｉ The process further includes a readout step of transferring the quantum state of, wherein the input step is the initial state φ ０ The process involves introducing a single object O into the flow path, and each quantum sensor QS ｉ The writing process for the object O is performed by recording the time when the object O was introduced into the flow path as t ０ As, time t ０ +t １ This was carried out at each quantum sensor QSｉ The aforementioned reading process for the quantum sensor QS ｉ The writing process for the quantum memory QMi is performed after the completion of the writing process for the quantum memory QMi and before the relaxation time for the quantum sensor QSi has elapsed, and the measurement process for each quantum sensor QSi is performed after the reading process for the quantum sensor QSi is completed and before the relaxation time for the quantum sensor QSi has elapsed.

[0072] A quantum measurement channel device according to aspect 5 of the present invention comprises a channel and a plurality of quantum sensors QS arranged along the channel. １ QS ２ , ..., QS ｎ It is characterized by having (where n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0073] The quantum measurement channel device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention is characterized in embodiment 5 by having a plurality of pillars P arranged along the channel. １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ Furthermore, each quantum sensor QS ｉ (where i is a natural number between 1 and n inclusive) is Pillar P ｉ It is characterized by being contained in the tip of the part.

[0074] The quantum measurement channel device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention is, in embodiment 5 or 6, each quantum sensor QS ｉ The present invention is characterized in that (i is a natural number between 1 and n, inclusive) is an NV (Nitrogen Vacancy) center in a diamond crystal.

[0075] The quantum measurement channel device according to embodiment 8 of the present invention is, in any of embodiments 5 to 7, each quantum sensor QS ｉ A quantum memory QM that interacts with (i is each natural number between 1 and n, inclusive). ｉ It is characterized by having the following features:

[0076] The quantum measurement channel device according to embodiment 9 of the present invention, in embodiment 8, each quantum memory QM ｉ In a diamond crystal １５ It is characterized by being an N atom.

[0077] 1, 2 Fluid device for quantum measurement 10, 10a-10c, 20 Fluid P ｉ　　　　　　　 Pillar QS ｉ　　　　　 Quantum sensor QM ｉ Quantum memory: O - Object, Oa, Ob - Molecules, Oc - Mixture, F - Fluid, FL - Fluorescence

Claims

1. A plurality of quantum sensors QS arranged along a flow path through which a fluid flows １ , QS ２ , …, QS ｎ (n is an arbitrary natural number of 2 or more) are used to measure a change in the state of an object O transported by the fluid. An input step of introducing an object O having an initial state φ ０ into the flow path, a measurement step of measuring the intensity of fluorescence emitted by each quantum sensor QS ｉ (i is each natural number from 1 to n) when excited light is irradiated, and the object O introduced into the flow path in the input step is transported by the fluid to each quantum sensor QS ｉ The time required is t ｉ , and the state taken by the object O at the time when a time t ０ has elapsed from the time when the initial state φ ｉ is taken is φ ｉ . From the intensity of fluorescence emitted by each quantum sensor QS ｉ measured in the measurement step, an estimation step of estimating the state φ ｉ of the object O is included. A quantum measurement method characterized by this.

2. In the measurement process, each quantum sensor QS ｉ The time for irradiating with excitation light is the time difference t. ２ -t １ ,t ３ -t ２ , ..., t ｎ -t ｎ－１ The quantum measurement method according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a time resolution longer than that of the measurement determined by the time.

3. The input step is performed so that a steady distribution of object O is formed inside the flow path, with an initial state φ ０ This is a process of sequentially introducing multiple objects O into the flow path, each quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum measurement method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measurement step for is performed while the steady distribution of object O is formed inside the flow path.

4. QS of each quantum sensor ｉ By irradiating it with a writing pulse, the quantum sensor QS ｉ Interacting with quantum memory QM ｉ Quantum sensor QS ｉ A writing process to transfer the quantum state of each quantum sensor QS ｉ By irradiating it with a readout pulse, the quantum sensor QS ｉ Quantum memory QM ｉ The process further includes a readout step of transferring the quantum state of, wherein the input step is the initial state φ ０ The process involves introducing a single object O into the flow path, and each quantum sensor QS ｉ The writing process for the object O is performed by recording the time when the object O was introduced into the flow path as t ０ As, time t ０ +t １ This was carried out at each quantum sensor QS ｉ The aforementioned reading process for the quantum sensor QS ｉ The quantum measurement method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the writing step for the quantum memory QMi is performed after the completion of the writing step for the quantum memory QMi and before the relaxation time for the quantum sensor QSi has elapsed, and the measurement step for each quantum sensor QSi is performed after the reading step for the quantum sensor QSi is completed and before the relaxation time for the quantum sensor QSi has elapsed.

5. A flow channel and a plurality of quantum sensors QS arranged along the flow channel. １ QS ２ , ..., QS ｎ A quantum measurement channel device characterized by comprising (where n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2).

6. Multiple pillars P arranged along the flow path １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ Furthermore, each quantum sensor QS ｉ (where i is a natural number between 1 and n inclusive) is Pillar P ｉ A quantum measurement channel device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is included in the tip portion.

7. QS of each quantum sensor ｉ The quantum measurement channel device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that (i is a natural number between 1 and n) is an NV (Nitrogen Vacancy) center in a diamond crystal.

8. QS of each quantum sensor ｉ A quantum memory QM that interacts with (i is each natural number between 1 and n, inclusive). ｉ A quantum measurement channel device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising the above.

9. Each quantum memory QM ｉ In a diamond crystal １５ The quantum measurement channel device according to claim 8, wherein the atom is N.

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