CMOS technology can be used to miniaturize quantum-sensing technology based on nitrogen–vacancy centres in diamond.
Quantum sensing1 leverages fundamental principles such as quantum coherence and superposition to measure a range of physical properties, from electric currents to strain, at a level of sensitivity that is often beyond classical measurement systems. In many cases, this sensing can also be performed on the microscopic scale, which is inaccessible to traditional techniques. Governments and companies are investing heavily in quantum technologies through programmes such as the European Union’s €1 billion Quantum Flagship2, and quantum sensing has been identified as the quantum technology with some of the earliest potential commercial applications.