Quantum Frequency Mixer for Arbitrary-Frequency Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quantum sensors are limited in their ability to sense intermediate and ultra-high frequencies due to constraints in accessible frequency ranges, with classical frequency mixers being bulky and compromising spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
An integrated quantum frequency mixer that exploits virtual transitions in periodically driven quantum systems, allowing for the conversion of signals to accessible frequency ranges without increasing bulk or reducing spatial resolution, enabling sensing of a broader frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a classical frequency mixer is used to convert signals to accessible frequency ranges, then the frequency sensing capability is improved, but the device bulk increases and spatial resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frequency mixing function with the quantum sensor by implementing a quantum frequency mixer that performs both signal mixing and sensing within a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate classical frequency mixers, thereby reducing device bulk while maintaining frequency conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a quantum system as an intermediary that mediates between the high-frequency signal and the measurement apparatus. The quantum system's resonance acts as an intermediate step, allowing frequency conversion through quantum transitions rather than classical mixing, thus avoiding the bulk of traditional mixers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a classical frequency mixer is used to convert signals to accessible frequency ranges, then the frequency sensing capability is improved, but the spatial resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frequency mixing operation and spatial sensing function into a single quantum system. The quantum frequency mixer maintains the nanoscale spatial resolution of the quantum sensor while acquiring frequency conversion capability, avoiding the spatial resolution degradation that would result from using a separate classical mixer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the frequency mixing function at the precise location of the quantum sensor. This localized approach ensures that the frequency conversion occurs exactly where the sensing takes place, preserving the spatial resolution without requiring additional bulk components.
3Reliability
If standard sensing protocols are used, then the quantum sensor operates within its resonance frequency window, but the accessible frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic driving fields to induce virtual transitions in the quantum system. By applying AC bias fields at specific frequencies, the quantum system can be driven to resonate at frequencies outside its natural resonance window, thereby extending the accessible frequency range while maintaining reliable sensing operation through periodic modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the quantum system by introducing time-dependent AC fields. This allows the system to access different frequency regimes through parameter modulation, enabling sensing across a broader frequency range while maintaining the reliability of quantum sensing operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quantum sensing over an arbitrary frequency range with improved spatial resolution and nanoscale sensitivity, extending the capabilities of quantum sensors to frequencies previously inaccessible.
Implementation Method 1
integrating the frequency mixer with the sensor itself by exploiting virtual transitions between different Fourier manifolds in periodically driven quantum (Floquet) systems
Implementation Method 2
The quantum system mixes the AC signal field with the AC bias field to produce a target field having a spectral component oscillating at the resonance frequency
Implementation Method 3
convert the desired signal to an accessible frequency range with a classical frequency mixer... An integrated frequency mixer and quantum sensor that exploits these virtual transitions is the quantum analog of a frequency mixer and is called a quantum frequency mixer or quantum mixer
Implementation Method 4
measuring the population of the first quantum state comprises detecting fluorescence emitted by the spin defect center
Implementation Method 5
initializing the spin defect center to the first quantum state comprises includes optically pumping the spin defect center
Data Source
AI summary
Quantum sensors provide excellent performance combining high sensitivity with spatial resolution. Unfortunately, they can only detect signal fields at frequencies in a few accessible ranges, typically low frequencies up to the experimentally achievable control field amplitudes and a narrow window around their resonance frequencies. Fortunately, arbitrary-frequency signals can be detected by using the sensor qubit as a quantum frequency mixer, enabling a variety of sensing applications. The technique leverages nonlinear effects in periodically driven (Floquet) quantum systems to achieve quantum frequency mixing of the signal and an applied AC bias field. The frequency-mixed field can be detected using Rabi and CPMG sensing techniques with the bias field. Frequency mixing can distinguish vectorial components of an oscillating signal field, thus enabling arbitrary-frequency vector magnetometry. Using this protocol with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to sense a 150 MHz signal field demonstrates the versatility of the quantum mixer sensing technique.