Nanoscale Quantum Sensing: From Water Structure to Electronic Correlations

Nanoscale Quantum Sensing: From Water Structure to Electronic Correlations
Jörg Wrachtrup, 3rd Institute of Physics and Centre for Applied Quantum Physics, University of Stuttgart, MPI for Solid State Research, Stuttgart

Spin defects in wide-bandgap semiconductors have emerged as powerful platforms for quantum sensing, providing spatial resolution at the scale of just a few nanometers. This capability unlocks a broad spectrum of applications across both material science and the life sciences. These quantum sensor spins offer intrinsic sensitivity to a variety of environmental parameters—including temperature, magnetic and electric fields, and even nanoscale forces. When combined into multiqubit architectures, they deliver exceptional sensitivity while enabling on-chip signal processing.

In this talk, I will highlight recent advances in nanoscale quantum sensing and imaging, spanning diverse research areas. Examples include probing the structure and dynamics of ultrathin water layers, discovering previously unknown magnetic phases in two-dimensional materials, and revealing lithium-ion transport and localization mechanisms inside solid-state batteries. Together, these developments demonstrate how quantum sensing can provide unprecedented insights into fundamental physical processes and guide the design of next-generation quantum-enabled technologies.