SBQuantum Company Creates Quantum diamond magnetometer
Nearly $1 Million Deal Accelerates Diamond-Based Quantum Sensors for Critical Climate and Geophysics Missions in Space
SBQuantum, a quantum sensing business in Sherbrooke, Canada, received a second contract from the European Space Agency (ESA), demonstrating the transition of quantum technologies from laboratory to space missions. This important investment may cost $1 million USD (€800,000). ESA's FutureEO Programme granted the contract to the company to upgrade their quantum diamond magnetometer sensor prototype. This gadget is being optimised for advanced Earth Observation (EO) missions.
SBQuantum's 21-month contract with ESA is a substantial improvement over its previous feasibility study. A flight-ready sensor with significantly better performance metrics than current space-based magnetometers is the project's major goal. The prototype must improve performance while remaining small and light enough for CubeSats. This new prototype is expected to support ESA's sophisticated magnetic field monitoring for planetary defence, climate science, and space weather prediction.
Core Technology: Quantum Diamonds
This contract uses the quantum diamond magnetometer, a sophisticated instrument that exploits solid-state quantum systems. SBQuantum's sensor uses nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in synthetic diamond crystals, unlike classical magnetometers, which have noise, drift, and the need for large, power-hungry components.
A diamond's NV centre is a quantum imperfection in its otherwise faultless lattice structure. A flaw is generated when a nitrogen atom is near a vacancy. This configuration creates an isolated electronic spin system that is sensitive to magnetic fields.
Scientists may reliably measure the atomic magnetic field's amplitude and direction by exciting these NV centres with a green laser and detecting the red fluorescent light.
A strong synthetic diamond supports the sensor. Due to its longevity, the sensor can withstand space's harsh climate. This stability offers a major advantage over other quantum computing methods that require arduous cryogenic cooling systems.
Fulfilling ESA's High Performance Standards
Due to its quantum stability, the SBQuantum device meets ESA's demanding prototype requirements. The redesign intends to achieve many groundbreaking metrics:
More sensitive: Less than 100 picoteslas (pT). One trillionth Tesla is a Picotesla. The Earth's surface magnetic field is 30–60 microteslas to prove accuracy. Measure fluctuations down to 100 pT to identify extremely small magnetic fingerprints for high-resolution geophysical mapping. More Accuracy: 200 pT is needed. This parameter ensures data consistency and reliability during the months or years in orbit.
Sensor must reach 400 Hz bandwidth. This fast measuring rate is necessary to observe dynamic space weather occurrences and magnetic phenomena.
SBQuantum also measures magnetic field strength and orientation with vectoral measurements. Traditional magnetometers have "blind spots" that this function eliminates.
Global Verification and Synergies
SBQuantum's international momentum is strengthened by this latest ESA contract, which follows the first ESA design and feasibility contract. Project aligns with company's well-known MagQuest Challenge participation.
The NGA, part of the U.S. Department of Defence, organises the multi-phase MagQuest Challenge.
The World Magnetic Model (WMM) requires next-generation Earth magnetic field monitoring methods. Worldwide, commercial, military, and municipal systems use the WMM for navigation. As a finalist in this prestigious contest, SBQuantum's solution was validated at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre. The NGA and ESA clearances support the quantum diamond magnetometer's operational success.
STDP of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) supports the project. This alignment supports Canada's National Quantum Strategy goals. Canada's unique status as the lone non-European ESA member promotes cross-continental cooperation and accelerates technology uptake.
According to ESA Quantum & Emerging Sensing Technologies Engineer Aaron Strangfeld, “Our prior research indicates that diamond magnetometers may meet the performance needed for Earth observation.” They must now demonstrate instrument buildability. This contract is crucial to proof-of-concept.
Opening New Applications and Intelligence
The contract focusses on Earth observation. Critical climate monitoring will use the sensor's high-resolution magnetic data. Geomagnetic data is needed to understand complex Earth magnetic field-related processes including ocean currents and temperatures. Quantum magnetometers' precise, drift-free data will help scientists analyse the planet's dynamic core and environs more accurately.
However, this technology has many uses beyond climate study. The second ESA contract is “the latest in a series of strong signals from the market indicating the vast potential quantum magnetometers offer as a sensor deployed in space”, according to SBQuantum co-founder and CEO David Roy-Guay.
SBQuantum offers “Magnetic Intelligence” with its high-accuracy sensor hardware and unique interpretation algorithms. This combination should open up new opportunities in several key sectors:
Defence and Security: Public safety, ISR, and surveillance in a complex global environment depend on the technology's precision magnetic irregularity detection. Explorers and navigators will test these tiny devices' robustness and precision to adjust satellite orientation. They can sense magnetic fields to steer Mars or Moon rovers. A reliable GPS alternative, magnetic field-based navigation can be used in poor or jammed satellite signals.
Cheap Space Access: The sensors fit readily into CubeSats. This strategy, based on miniaturisation and low deployment costs, will provide high-precision geophysical data to commercial firms and government space agencies.
SBQuantum uses quantum physics to revolutionise the measurement, mapping, and understanding of the magnetic forces that govern the globe and space. This prototype is a major step towards a future when quantum sensors are used for planet protection and space exploration.