Quantum Sensor Optical Readout with Dark-Field Noise Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum sensor systems face challenges with high optical noise and photon shot noise, requiring expensive detectors with large dynamic ranges due to the fluctuating photon counts, which can saturate and obscure the influence of the quantum system on the optical readout signal.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system employing a spatially dependent attenuator and imaging system forms a dark-field imaging setup to filter out DC components, reducing optical noise and photon counts, thereby allowing the use of simpler and potentially cheaper sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large number of photons are used for optical readout, then the signal strength is improved, but the photon shot noise increases and the detector may saturate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic modulation of the quantum system's excitation state using oscillating magnetic or electric fields. This periodic action causes the quantum system to emit modulated optical signals at specific frequencies, allowing the signal to be distinguished from background noise through frequency filtering, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without requiring high photon counts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection method using quantum non-demolition measurement techniques. Instead of directly detecting photons, the system uses intermediate quantum states and resonant coupling to transfer information about the physical quantity being measured to optical signals, reducing direct photon detection noise while maintaining signal fidelity
2Illumination intensity
If a large number of photons are used for optical readout, then the signal strength is improved, but the detector dynamic range requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By modulating the quantum system's emission at specific frequencies, the patent enables detection at lower average photon counts. The periodic signal allows use of AC coupling and frequency-selective detection, which reject DC offset and background light, reducing the dynamic range requirement of the detector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the quantum state information through resonant emission. The optical signal serves as a copy that encodes the measured physical quantity, allowing detection without directly measuring the quantum state, thus reducing detector requirements
3Device complexity
If conventional optical readout is used, then the system is simple, but the quantum system influence is obscured by noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces periodic modulation at the quantum system level, which imprints a characteristic frequency signature on the optical output. This allows the system to remain relatively simple optically while achieving high sensing sensitivity through frequency-domain analysis that separates signal from noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of the optical signal by modulating it at frequencies characteristic of the quantum system's transitions. This parameter transformation from static intensity to time-varying signal enables discrimination between quantum system influence and background noise, improving sensing sensitivity without significantly increasing system complexity
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
The system achieves higher sensitivity and reduced dynamic range requirements, enabling more effective quantum sensing with improved signal-to-noise ratio and lower operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging system and the attenuator are configured to form a dark-field imaging system for the optical signal that filters out DC components from an image pattern of the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
an imaging system which is configured to apply a transformation to the optical signal, thereby generating a transformed optical signal at an image plane
Implementation Method 3
the excitation signal induces an emission and/or an adaption of an optical signal by the sensing volume, wherein at least one characteristic of the optical signal depends on the physical quantity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a quantum sensor system 10 for sensing a physical quantity. The sensor system comprises: an excitation source 11 which is configured to generate an excitation signal 12; a sensing volume 13 comprising one or more quantum systems, wherein the sensing volume is arranged to receive the excitation signal, wherein the excitation signal induces an emission and/or an adaption of an optical signal 14 by the sensing volume, wherein at least one characteristic of the optical signal depends on the physical quantity; an imaging system 15 which is configured to apply a transformation to the optical signal, thereby generating a transformed optical signal at an image plane 16; a spatially dependent attenuator 17 which is arranged at the image plane and which is configured to attenuate the transformed optical signal; an optical sensor 18 which is configured to capture the thus attenuated optical signal and to detect an image formed by the optical signal; and a processor 19 which is configured to extract an information on the physical quantity from the captured image pattern.