Quantum Sensors
Truly discovering what lies beneath the ground, in the sky and the human body and brain with quantum sensing, imaging and timing
Collaboration between engineers, physicists and data scientists
The UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT) is a collaboration of expert physicists, engineers and data scientists from the Universities of Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, Durham, Heriot-Watt, Imperial, Nottingham, Southampton and Strathclyde, as well as the British Geological Survey and the National Physical Laboratory.
Real-world technologies
QuSIT focusses on overcoming the main research barriers to scale up and manufacture quantum sensing, imaging and timing devices to help address challenges in healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, and security, enabling a safer, healthier, and more sustainable society.
Impact on everyday lives
Examples of this new technology include cameras to detect gas leaks and hidden objects, quantum brain scanners to enhance investigation of brain health disorders and epilepsy, and quantum sensing of gravity and magnetic fields to help increase resilience and capacity of critical infrastructure.
What are we doing in the UK?
The UK National
Quantum Strategy
The UK government has a well developed National Quantum Strategy. One of five quantum missions announced in December 2023 is to ensure that by 2035, there will be accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations and supporting applications that provide benefits well in excess of classical supercomputers across key sectors of the economy.
The UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensors, Imaging and Timing
The UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT) focusses on overcoming the main research barriers to scaleup and manufacture quantum sensing devices to help address real-world challenges
The UK National Quantum Technologies Programme
Launched in 2014, and backed by the Government’s £2.5bn National Quantum Strategy, the NQTP builds on a decade of experience to enable the UK to be a leading quantum-enabled economy by 2033, with a world leading sector, where quantum technologies are an integral part of the UK’s future digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing base, driving growth and helping to build a thriving and resilient economy and society.
Frequently asked questions
Confused about what quantum healthcare is all about?
These FAQs might answer your question!
Quantum sensors are devices that use the principles of quantum physics, such as superposition and spin, to measure things with extreme precision. They can detect tiny changes in magnetic fields, temperature, or pressure that traditional sensors might miss.
Quantum sensors can measure biological signals at the molecular level, such as detecting changes in brain activity, monitoring heart function, or spotting early signs of disease. This could lead to faster diagnoses and more personalised treatments.
Yes. Quantum sensors are designed to be non-invasive and safe. Many use diamond-based materials or ultra-sensitive magnetometers that do not emit harmful radiation.
They could help with:
- Neurological disorders (like epilepsy or Alzheimer’s) by mapping brain signals.
- Cardiac conditions by monitoring heart rhythms.
- Cancer detection through highly sensitive imaging techniques.
- Infectious diseases by enabling next-generation lateral flow tests that are far more sensitive than current ones, potentially detecting infections earlier and with greater accuracy.
Q-BIOMED is also using quantum sensors for fundamental biomedical research. By taking ultra-precise measurements of molecular and cellular processes, these sensors could help researchers uncover the mechanisms behind diseases and develop more effective treatments.
Yes. In the future, portable quantum devices could allow home monitoring for chronic conditions or rapid infectious disease testing, similar to today’s home test kits but far more accurate.