Quantum-Enhanced Sensing via Squeezed Light and On-Chip Optical Resonators

Speaker
Dr. Fu Li, Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis
Host
Guang Bian
-
Physics Library

Quantum sensing enables precision measurements beyond classical limits by exploiting quantum properties such as entanglement and squeezing. These resources allow us to detect extremely weak signals—such as minute magnetic fields, subtle forces, or small phase shifts—that are inaccessible with conventional sensors. In this presentation, I will introduce quantum sensing techniques based on two types of squeezed light: two-mode squeezed light and single-mode squeezed light. I will discuss the quantum advantages they offer in applications such as absorption measurements and quantum-enhanced stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) spectroscopy and imaging. In addition to quantum light sources, I will highlight the role of Whispering-Gallery Mode (WGM) optical sensors, which act as amplifiers to enhance light–matter interactions and further boost sensitivity. A proof-of-concept experiment will be presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in detecting nanoparticles under varying temperature conditions. This method underscores the versatility of quantum sensing and its integration potential with various optical sensor platforms, paving the way for high-sensitivity, scalable solutions based on integrated photonic technologies.