Particle physics is entering a new era with the advent of next-generation colliders, promising unprecedented energy levels. To manage the resulting complex subatomic debris, scientists are turning to quantum sensors.
An international team, including members from Fermilab, Caltech, and NASA's JPL, has successfully showcased the potential of superconducting microwire single-photon detectors (SMSPDs). These quantum sensors have demonstrated exceptional time and spatial resolution when tested with high-energy particle beams.
Maria Spiropulu of Caltech highlights the critical need for these precise detectors as particle colliders increase in power. She states that incorporating quantum sensing into their toolkit will optimize the search for new particles and dark matter, as well as facilitate the study of the origins of space and time. SMSPDs offer a distinct advantage by eliminating the trade-off between spatial and temporal resolution, enhancing the ability to identify rare particles in complex events and paving the way for discoveries at facilities like the Future Circular Collider (FCC).
Building on the foundation of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), already utilized in quantum networking and space communication, these advancements herald a new era of understanding our universe. The precision and capabilities of quantum sensors are set to play a pivotal role in the future of particle physics.