University of Sherbrooke

Published purpose

Quantum sensors use the unique and often strange behavior of matter at very small distances to perform ultra-sensitive and robust measurements. The UdeSat project will conduct one of the first demonstrations of a quantum sensor in space. This quantum sensor will use nitrogen-vacancy defects in a tiny piece of diamond to measure the intensity and orientation of the magnetic field in space. Such measurements are useful to study the effect of solar storms on radio communication, GPS or electrical grids, or the flow of magma under Earth's crust, for instance. Quantum technologies, such as this magnetometer, will lead to smaller, more energy efficient, and more sensitive sensors for space application The CubeSat will be developed in collaboration with the École nationale d'aéronautique in Quebec.