Within the frameworks of the project on the "Development of New Quantum Technologies for Estimating Unknown Parameters", specialists of the SUSU Quantum Engineering of Light Laboratory work on creating a sensor for measuring small displacements and related physical quantities.
The developments within the frameworks of this project are led by the head of the SUSU Quantum Engineering of Light Laboratory and scientific director of the Quantum Technology Centre of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Doctor of Sciences (Physics and Mathematics), Professor Sergey Kulik.
The main objective of the project is to create a line of sensors that allow ultra-precise measurement of small displacements. It is assumed that the sensor will produce significantly more accurate measurements in comparison with classical devices. Such devices undoubtedly already exist abroad. Russian scientists and specifically the employees of the Quantum Engineering of Light laboratory, within the frameworks of the import independence policy, are faced with the task of creating a domestic highly sensitive analogue.
The principle of operation of the small displacement measurement sensor is based on the photon anticorrelation effect. This is a quantum effect, the essence of which is that if two identical (in frequency and polarization) photons simultaneously fall from different sides on a beam splitter, then both photons will end up in one of the two channels of the beam splitter at its output.
The laboratory has already assembled a model according to the technical specifications. This is the central core of the displacement sensor, built on the effect of photon anticorrelation.
The work showed that the characteristics of the device are extremely sensitive to changes in the temperature of the main units of the product: diode laser, crystal, beam splitter. By now, the temperature stabilization system of the device has already been tested. The laboratory team faces the following tasks:
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reducing the size of the sensor;
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increasing its sensitivity;
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finding components to reduce the cost of work and make the project more cost-effective.
Initially, the device took up a lot of space (about 2 meters in length) since it used a gas laser. Now the sensor uses a semiconductor laser, which has allowed to significantly reduce the size of the device (today it is a stand with dimensions of about 30*30 cm).
Currently, the project developments are at the stage of a compact working model. It will be possible to talk about the use of the sensor in a wide range of industries after the transition to another level of technological readiness.
Special significance of the research on the project is the creation of an import-independent product. The authors of the development are trying to close the niche of ultra-high sensitivity measuring devices since domestic analogues do not yet exist, and foreign devices cannot be purchased due to sanctions.
Work on the project is being carried out within the frameworks of the Intellectual Production joint venture under the Priority 2030 program of the Science and Universities national project.