Using a molecule as a quantum sensor

Waterloo researchers develop new quantum-sensing technique that could map single protein structures and lead to breakthroughs in medicineBy Naomi GrosmanA new quantum sensing technique could enable measurements of single protein structures and other important molecules, with potential applications in drug discovery and structural biology. The research team from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo developed the new method that uses a single molecule as a quantum sensor. Quantum sensors use unique properties of quantum mechanics to make ultra-precise measurements that traditional sensors cannot achieve.This new technique has never been demonstrated before and uses a class of molecules for this purpose for the first time. Precise imaging of single molecules helps researchers understand how single proteins and other biomolecules behave. It can help reveal more information about how diseases develop and the ways drugs interact to potentially design more effective treatment. (L-R) Pritam Priyadarsi, PhD Student, and Sahand Tabatabaei, PhD candidate, by a low temperature scanning force microscope. The instrument was used to develop the new method that uses a single molecule as a quantum sensor. on Waterloo News