EdX

Quantum Detectors and Sensors (edX)

Offered by Purdue University, PurdueX,
Quantum Detectors and Sensors (edX)

Learn how to analyze and design quantum sensors and devices that extract maximal information from the world around us. Classical detectors and sensors are ubiquitous around us from heat sensors in cars to light detectors in a camera cell phone. Leveraging advances in the theory of noise and measurement, an important paradigm of quantum metrology has emerged. Here, ultra-precision measurement devices collect maximal information from the world around us at the quantum limit.

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This enables a new frontier of perception that promises to impact machine learning, autonomous navigation, surveillance strategies, information processing, and communication systems.
Students in this in-depth course will learn the fundamentals about state-of-the-art quantum detectors and sensors. They will also learn about quantum noise and how it limits quantum devices. The primary goal of the course is to empower students with a critical and deep understanding of emerging applications at the quantum-classical boundary. This will allow them to adopt quantum detectors and sensors for their own endeavors.
This course is part of the Quantum Technology: Detectors and Networking MicroMasters.

What you'll learn

  • Theory of quantum noise
  • Superconducting single photon detectors
  • Foundations of Quantum metrology
  • Operating principles of quantum vs. classical detectors
  • Quantum sensing devices including magnetometers and interferometers
  • Theory of quantum coherence
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