In a groundbreaking development, quantum sensors are poised to revolutionize particle detection, offering unprecedented precision in capturing subatomic events. A team led by Fermilab and Caltech has successfully tested superconducting microwire single-photon detectors (SMSPDs) at Fermilab near Chicago, marking a significant leap in particle physics technology.
These advanced sensors, tested with high-energy beams, demonstrated exceptional efficiency and superior time and spatial resolution compared to traditional detectors. Dubbed "4D sensors," they can simultaneously track particles in space and time, a capability previously unattainable. This opens new avenues for exploring the universe's fundamental building blocks.
The SMSPDs, chosen for their larger surface area, are crucial for capturing more particles during high-speed collisions in next-generation particle accelerators. These sensors are similar to those used in quantum networks and space experiments, such as sending high-definition data from space to Earth. The success of this technology paves the way for future projects like the Future Circular Collider, promising to unlock new discoveries about the origins of space and time.