TECNALIA is leading a pioneering initiative in the field of quantum sensing

TECNALIA is leading a pioneering initiative in the field of quantum sensing

• PROMISE seeks to elevate nitrogen-vacancy (NV) based quantum imaging sensors to a pre-industrial technological readiness level for practical and, everyday applications

PROMISE (PROtotypes ofMagneticImagingSsystems forEurope), with an international consortium, is a pioneering initiative designed to revolutionise quantum sensing technology. PROMISE, which focuses on cutting-edge technology development and rigorous industrial use-case testing, seeks to elevate nitrogen-vacancy (NV) based quantum imaging sensors to a pre-industrial technological readiness level (TRL7) for practical and, everyday applications.

Advancing quantum sensing for tomorrow's industries

Quantum sensing is emerging as the quantum technology with the most immediate market potential, and NV-based sensors are at the forefront due to their remarkable simplicity and performance. Operating without the need for vacuum systems, cryogenics or magnetic shielding, these sensors offer quantitative, absolute and calibration-free measurements. By interacting with local magnetic and electric fields, temperature, strain and pressure, NV centres provide rich and detailed information that surpass conventional optical systems.

However, traditional scanning probe systems, although powerful, are hampered by slow point-by-point measurements, making them less suitable for dynamic, real-time applications. PROMISE addresses this challenge by developing industrialisable wide-field magnetometers that capture rapid changes with speed and efficiency, opening up new possibilities for sensing, imaging, analysis and monitoring. In addition, the resulting prototypes will have significantly lower size, weight, power consumption and cost than current lab set-ups, paving the way for rapid market adoption.

A consortium of experts driving innovation

The PROMISE initiative brings together an impressive array of experts from research and industry:

• Technology pioneers: TECNALIA and TNO (NL) are leading the design, set-up and testing of the new systems, ensuring that each prototype meets the demands of real operating environments.
• Advanced sensor development: Fondazione Bruno Kessler (IT) is designing specialised single photon avalanche diode array (SPAD) pixel array sensors, while the Diatope SME (GE) is manufacturing bespoke diamond membranes with optimal NV configurations.
• Data intelligence: Machine learning specialists at TECNALIA are fine-tuning data acquisition and analysis, leveraging deep insights into the physics of NV centres to enhance sensor performance.
• Standards and certification: The Italian National Metrology Institute (INRIM) brings its expertise in diamond-based quantum technologies, helping to standardise designs for seamless industrial integration.

Transforming key industries

Industrially relevant use cases by Graphenea Semiconductor (ES), Airbus Central Research and Technology (GE) and MagnetFab (FR), along with an academic partner, the University of the Basque Country/ Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (ES), will help validate the developed prototypes in different scenarios. PROMISE is set to have a significant impact in three key sectors:

• Semiconductor metrology: ultrafast, high-resolution measurements, essential for the next generation of microelectronics.
• Materials engineering: enhanced image processing capabilities for the development and analysis of advanced materials.
• Biotechnology: dynamic, real-time monitoring tools that can revolutionise diagnostic and research processes.

AMIRES, The Business Innovation Management Institute (CZ), will ensure that PROMISE achieves its intended impact by supporting its partners in the development of ambitious commercialisation roadmaps and disseminating their results to target audiences.

A major step forward

By merging advanced quantum sensing with practical industrial applications, PROMISE is not just advancing technology, but it is also paving the way for the commercialisation of mature quantum sensing solutions. This breakthrough will provide industries with fast and accurate tools like never before, which will be a major step forward in the field of quantum imaging.