Advances in Quantum Metrology
With the 2019 revision of the international system of units, quantum metrology has become the foundation of all physical measurements. Now, the seven SI base units are defined by fixed values of seven so-called defining constants, among them the caesium hyperfine frequency ΔνCs, Planck’s constant h, and the elementary charge e. This allows the realization in every lab of identical measurement standards, which are precise, intrinsically stable and do not require any calibration. While some quantum standards like Cs atomic clocks, Josephson voltage standards, and quantum Hall resistance standards, are already well established, others like advanced optical clocks, single electron pumps, among others, have yet to achieve practical utility. Additionally, quantum metrology enables more sensitive measurements taking advantage of quantum effects like squeezing for noise reduction, opening up applications such as ultra precise geodesy, gravitational wave detection, magnetometry, and even tests of quantum gravity. Furthermore, the advance of quantum applications like quantum computing, creates the need for a reliable metrology for such quantum systems, components, and devices.
In this special issue, we solicit submissions that address the foundations and applications of quantum-based measurements, in order to promote the further development of the field of quantum metrology.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Standards and precision measurements based on quantum effects
- Electrical quantum metrology devices, materials, and systems (quantum Hall effect, quantum anomalous Hall effect, Josephson devices, single charge pumps, …)
- Metrology needs for quantum applications, including RF calibrations, qubit specifications
- Metrology and characterization of components and circuits for quantum information, including RF calibrations at millikelvin temperatures for superconducting circuits.
- Quantum-enhanced measurements in atomic or solid state systems.
- Optical atomic clocks based on single ions or atoms trapped in optical lattices
- Clock networks for validation of clock performance and/or tests of fundamental physics
- Atom-based quantum sensors (gravimeters, gyroscopes, magnetometers…)
- Geodesy using quantum-based gravimeters or optical clocks
- Back action evasion and measurement sensitivity below the standard quantum limit, e.g. in the context of quantum-enhanced gravitational wave detectors
- Measurement-based quantum control of mechanical motion and light, coherent spin-mechanical interactions
- Fundamental tests based on quantum metrology e.g. time stability of fundamental constants or tests of quantum gravity
Guest Editors
Hans Schumacher, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
Stefan Kueck, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
JT Janssen, National Physical Laboratory
Nenad Kralj, Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute)
Helen Margolis, National Physical Laboratory
Samuel Benz, National Institute of Standards and Technology
APL Editors
Martin Weides, University of Glasgow
How to submit
For details on the scope and criteria of Applied Physics Letters, please see the journal’s Editorial Policies. For guidelines on manuscript preparation, including details around the journal’s 3000 word limit, please see the journal’s Author Instructions.
Please note that papers will be published as normal when they are ready in a regular issue of the journal and will populate on a virtual collection page within a few days of publication. Inclusion in the collection will not cause delay in publication.
How to Submit:
- Please submit through the online submission system.
- Under manuscript information → Manuscript classification → select Special Topic: “Advances in Quantum Metrology”