Quantum Sensing - Dr Cathy Foley (4 May 2020)

Everyone has been talking about quantum computers in recent times but quantum sensing is also an application of quantum physics that enables new opportunities in a wide range of areas from space communications, magnetoencephalography of the brain, lab-on-a-chip medical diagnostics, navigation in GPS-denied environments and mineral exploration. This talk will explain what quantum sensing is and what it offers that is different from classical sensors. I will focus on superconducting devices based on Josephson Junctions, an amazing concept that has been realised in many superconducting devices called SQUIDs, Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices. I will cover how these early quantum sensors have been commercialised and look at what other quantum sensors are on the horizon. Biography Dr Cathy Foley, CSIRO Chief Scientist, has made distinguished contributions to the understanding of superconducting materials and to the development of devices using superconductors for a number of applications including to detect magnetic fields and locate valuable deposits of minerals. She is also the Chair of the Australian National Fabrication Facility Victorian Node Collaboration Committee and the ARC Steel Hub Advisory Committee as well as sitting on several other committees and boards. She has made significant contributions to the scientific community as president of several scientific societies and as a member of committees such as PMSEIC giving advice to Government on scientific and technological matters. She was awarded the `Woman of the Year’ by the NSW Government in 2013 and the International IEEE Award for Continuing and Significant Contributions to Applied Superconductivity 2014. In 2015 she was awarded the Clunies Ross Medal of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering and Australian Institute of Physics’ Outstanding Service to Physics Award. As a leader in CSIRO, she is working to help Australia to transform to be globally competitive and sustainable by engaging with Australian researchers, government and industry to assist with the translation of research for a healthy and sustainable Australia that is also economically successful.