Quantum sensors use atoms, electrons and light as ultra-steady rulers – detecting faint motion, magnetism and gravity for navigation, medicine and science

Quantum computers are still a work in progress but quantum sensors are already in use at hospitals, laboratories and by defense contractors.

By: Alex Krasnok, Florida International University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 20, 2026

Words: 1,570

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Alex Krasnok, Florida International University

Quantum computers get a lot of attention, even though they are not ready for prime time, but quantum sensors are already doing useful work. These sensors measure fields, forces and motion so small that ordinary background noise can drown them out. Some sensors are already in daily use, while others are moving from research labs into flight tests, hospitals and field instruments.

For example, a human brain produces magnetic signals …

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