Fiber-Coupled Quantum Sensor

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

A fiber-coupled quantum sensor uses color centers (such as nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond) embedded in a sensor layer to detect physical quantities like magnetic fields. Excitation light is delivered to the sensor layer through a first optical fiber with a relatively narrow numerical aperture, while at least one second optical fiber with a significantly larger numerical aperture — at least twice as large — collects and guides the fluorescence light emitted by the color centers back for analysis. This asymmetric aperture design maximizes the collection efficiency of the weak fluorescence signal without compromising the precision of the excitation beam. The result is a compact, fiber-integrated quantum sensor suitable for use in confined or remote environments.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Measuring ultra-weak magnetic fields in biomedical imaging, such as detecting neural or cardiac signals in magnetocardiography or magnetoencephalography.
• Performing magnetic field mapping inside industrial machinery or hard-to-reach locations where bulk quantum sensor setups cannot fit.
• Integrating into minimally invasive medical probes or endoscopes for in-vivo magnetic or temperature sensing.
• Embedding in MRI systems for precise local field calibration and monitoring using a compact fiber-delivered sensor.
• Deploying in quantum computing hardware environments for localized electromagnetic field diagnostics via a flexible fiber connection.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• The larger numerical aperture of the collection fiber captures significantly more fluorescence photons, improving signal-to-noise ratio and measurement sensitivity.
• Decoupling the excitation and collection apertures allows independent optimization of both light paths, avoiding the trade-offs inherent in single-fiber designs.
• The fully fiber-coupled architecture enables remote and minimally invasive sensing in locations inaccessible to free-space or bulk optical setups.
• Using optical fibers instead of free-space optics reduces the sensor's footprint and mechanical complexity, improving robustness and ease of integration.
• The design is compatible with existing fiber-optic infrastructure, simplifying deployment in industrial and medical systems.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a fiber-coupled quantum sensor based on the color center principle, comprising: a sensor layer (1) in which color centers are formed, a first optical waveguide with a first numerical aperture for guiding excitation light to the sensor layer (1), and at least one second optical waveguide with a second numerical aperture for returning fluorescence light generated by the color centers, wherein the second numerical aperture is larger, in particular at least a factor of 2 larger, than the first numerical aperture.