Researchers at Macquarie University in Sydney have used an unexpected object – grapes – to improve quantum sensor technology. Their research shows that grape vapors generate localized magnetic hot spots, improving the performance of quantum sensors.
The team, led by PhD candidate Ali Fawaz, discovered that grapes placed in a microwave field not only create plasma, but also enhance the magnetic fields that are needed for quantum sensing. This phenomenon occurs due to the grape’s water-based structure, which acts as a microwave resonator.
By placing quantum sensors made of nanodiamonds with nitrogen vacancy centers—defects that can sense magnetic fields—between two grapes, the team doubled the strength of the magnetic field.
This breakthrough could lead to more compact and efficient quantum devices.