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Quantum Sensing: Measurement at the Quantum-Nano-Bio Interface

Edited by: Prof Lloyd Hollenberg, Jeremy O'Brien, Prof Gerard Milburn

Sensors that use quantum effects can enable greater sensitivity and/or resolution than would be possible with conventional sensors. Recently there have been innovative proposals for quantum sensors for biological and biomolecular applications. New kinds of magnetometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been proposed and demonstrated that provide a combination of high spatial resolution and sensitivity. Optical probes using the properties of single molecules and/or single photon interference are also under development. The discovery of the enhanced energy transport due to the strong coupling between electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom in light harvesting complexes have demonstrated the power of novel time tested spectroscopic tools for uncovering quantum effects in biology. As the expanding spatio-temporal limits of nanotechnology push device operation well into the quantum regime new forms of sensing will continue to emerge.


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