Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Accurate quantum vector magnetometers for remote detection

Agreement Number:

1040409

Agreement Value:

$208,084.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 18, 2026 - Mar 31, 2028

Description:

While quantum magnetometers have achieved remarkable sensitivity, accuracy and stability can be key to real-world deployment. The Project exploits the quantum states of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond to target development of a portable vector magnetometer with best-in-class accuracy. Comprising experts in NV physics, quantum control and optimization, and machine learning, along with scientists from startup SBQuantum skilled in magnetometer design, calibration and deployment, the Project team tackles this challenge across multiple fronts, from improved fundamental physical models to optimized control and state-of-the-art machine learning calibrations. Highly accurate vector magnetometry opens the door to stable sensor arrays that can detect and differentiate magnetic and conductive materials, a key capability for security technology. The Project team examines optimal strategies to recently developed deploy accurate vector magnetometers for remote threat detection, laying the groundwork for commercial and defence applications that could significantly impact Canadian society.

Organization:

National Research Council Canada

Expected Results:

In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.

Location:

Sherbrooke, Quebec, CA J1K 2R1

Reference Number:

172-2025-2026-Q4-1040409

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Business Number:

108161076

Recipient Type:

Academia

Recipient's Legal Name:

Université de Sherbrooke

Federal Riding Name:

Sherbrooke

Federal Riding Number:

24072

Program:

Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives

Program Purpose:

Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.

NAICS Code:

541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences