Workshop: Quantum Sensors for Science Exploration
25-26 May 2023, European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands

Quantum sensors are based on technologies whose performance is not limited by the boundaries of classical physics. Such instruments allow for ultrasensitive measurements in the area of gravity, accelerations, electric and magnetic fields, and communications. A major advantage of such sensor types is the lack of drifts and need for calibration.

Activities related to Quantum Spaceborne Gravimetry have been performed at ESA in the field of Earth Observation as well as Fundamental Physics and Navigation, aiming as a first step for the next generation gravity monitoring instrumentation. They hold the promise of substantially improving on current technologies since they can provide absolute measurements with no drifts. This can enhance gravity gradiometry and satellite-to-satellite tracking techniques, using Cold Atom Interferometry (CAI). CAI sensitivity is increased in space, under nano-gravity conditions, by the ability to achieve long interrogation times. Other quantum sensor instruments of great interest for science applications are magnetometers, including nitrogen-vacancy centre in diamonds, or optically pumped magnetometer. These have already shown on-ground high accuracy and stability compared to classical sensors. On an even longer time frame, the application of enhanced quantum sensors for imagery and quantum Lidar/Radar (based on entangled photons) is envisaged. All these technology developments have been mentioned in the Voyage 2050 programme and flagged in the last Space Summit and Matosinhos Manifesto on the Space for Green Future Accelerator and the Science Enablor.

The quantum revolution has not yet fully reached the planetary scientific community. The objective of the workshop is therefore to gather different communities to exchange on how quantum sensors can help advance solar system science in the future, with various quantum sensing techniques. Synergies with other domains such as Earth Observation, Navigation or Fundamental Physics will also be highlighted.

The workshop will consist of invited and contributed talks, posters, round tables and ample time for discussions.

A limited number of grants (up to 1000 Euros) will be available for students. The event is sponsored by the ESTEC faculty and INSQT.

Meeting format

Hybrid

​​​​Programme

The final programme is available here. It includes the list of posters.

NEW: talks and posters available.

Registration and abstract submission tool

No registration possible anymore.

Recommended template for the abstract here

There will be no registration fees for this workshop.

Financial support

The organisers are pleased to offer grants to a limited number of students and early-career scientists* to participate to the workshop.

Important: You can indicate when you submit an abstract whether you are interested by the financial support. Successful applicants will receive a lump sum for the travel and accommodation expenses.

*scientists who obtained their last degree (MSc and Ph.D.) up to three years ago (excluding parental leave, serious illness, and similar delays).

Important dates

First announcement: 25 November 2022

Second announcement: 3rd  February 2023

Deadline for abstract submission:  24 February 2023

3rd announcement, notification of participation and programme release: 31 March 2023

Workshop: 25-26 May 2023

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Organising committee

Olivier Carraz (ESA), Lisa Woerner (DLR), Aaron Strangfeld (ESA), Olivier Witasse (ESA), Luigi Cacciapuoti (ESA), Anne Grete Straume (ESA), Oliver Jennrich (ESA), Matt Taylor (ESA), Astrid Heske (ESA), Mylene Riemens (ESA)