Quantum sensors, capable of precise measurements in various fields like medicine and navigation, have traditionally been luxury items due to their high costs. To tackle this issue, the Uncut Gem project was initiated, aiming to create an open-source quantum sensor that’s affordable for a wider audience.
At the recent Defcon security conference in Las Vegas, cofounders Victoria Kumaran and Mark Carney introduced a cost-effective quantum sensor that works through a special kind of diamond known as a “nitrogen-vacancy diamond.” The first version of this sensor can be assembled for approximately $120 to $160; however, improvements are underway, with plans for a second version that can be built for even less. They aim to release a third iteration later this year for around $50 based on feedback from the community.
Quantum sensors operate by detecting minute variations in magnetic and electric fields. This technology is already used in atomic clocks, but its complexity and cost have limited access for most interested parties. The Uncut Gem initiative represents a significant opportunity for innovators and hobbyists to construct their own systems and experiment with the technology at a lower barrier to entry.
Kumaran remarks on the project’s poetic aspect, stating that synthetic diamonds, which are typically considered as mere off-cuts, can serve a meaningful utility. The components needed for building the sensor are mostly standard off-the-shelf parts, making it an even more feasible project for individuals.
Beyond medical uses, potential applications for these quantum sensors include navigation systems that function independently of GPS, offering alternatives if conventional systems face failures or interference. Notably, the US Space Force is conducting tests on high-performing quantum sensors in space.
Independent researcher Davide Gessa has taken on the challenge of building an Uncut Gem sensor based on the project’s schematics. He plans to utilize the device for quantum computing experiments and random number generation, sharing customizations he makes to the open-source design to encourage collaboration and improvement among users.
Initial prototypes have successfully detected magnetic fluctuations and even heartbeats, highlighting the sensor’s capabilities. However, optimizing the software to filter environmental noise is critical to enhancing the sensor’s precision.
Carney emphasizes the importance of open-sourcing the project, asserting that it is about moving quantum technology into the hands of more people instead of solely focusing on the sensor’s current limitations. The Uncut Gem project aspires to create a collaborative environment where continuous iterations can lead to more advanced sensors in the future.
