In collaboration with the U.S. Naval Nuclear Laboratory, this project focused on the design and development of miniaturized quantum sensing hardware tailored for engineering and monitoring applications. The WISER team explored pathways to translate laboratory-scale quantum sensing technologies into portable, field-deployable devices that can operate reliably in practical environments.

The team developed magnetometers based on Nitrogen‑Vacancy Center (NV center) defects in diamond, which enable highly sensitive magnetic field measurements at room temperature. These quantum sensors have significant potential for applications such as precision magnetic field detection, materials diagnostics, and nuclear system monitoring.

A key objective of the project was to design a low-cost and compact hardware architecture capable of supporting scalable manufacturing. This involved engineering a portable sensing platform integrating optical excitation, microwave control, and photodetection systems within a miniaturized footprint while maintaining the sensitivity required for quantum measurements.

The resulting design framework demonstrates how quantum sensing devices can be engineered for cost-effective mass production, bridging the gap between research prototypes and deployable instrumentation. IP generated through this work has been patented and is currently being developed further through a dedicated spin-off startup focused on commercializing portable quantum sensing technologies.

WISER Research Fellows: Ron Schreiner, Anjolie Tuazon