Quantum sensors – how realistic is it that we’ll be using quantum sensors in sport before 2032?

Synopsis

On 10th August 2023, a landmark event entitled, ‘Quantum Meets Sport’ was held at the AIS in Canberra. This was Australia’s first ever event bringing together world leading quantum experts and representatives of the sport sector. In this STARS session, the Chair of that event, Professor Warwick Bowen, explores the potential integration of quantum sensors into sports, assessing its feasibility and practicality. The session delves into several key aspects:

1. Quantum Sensor Technology: A brief introduction to quantum sensors, explaining their working principles and highlighting their unique capabilities. Quantum sensors are incredibly sensitive and can detect subtle changes in physical properties, such as acceleration, magnetic fields, and temperature.
2. Potential Applications in Sports: Examining the potential use cases of quantum sensors in sports, including athlete performance analysis, injury prevention, and equipment optimization. Quantum sensors could provide coaches and athletes with real-time data on biomechanics, allowing for more informed training decisions.
3. Challenges and Barriers: Discussing the challenges and barriers that must be overcome for quantum sensors to be integrated into sports effectively. These challenges may include cost, miniaturization, and data interpretation.
4. Timeline and Future Outlook: Speculating on the timeline for the adoption of quantum sensors in sports and the realistic potential for widespread use by 2032. Factors such as technological advancements, investment, and regulatory approval will play a significant role in determining the pace of adoption.

Ultimately, the session aims to provide a balanced perspective on the feasibility of integrating quantum sensors into sports by 2032. While the potential benefits are promising, various challenges and uncertainties must be addressed before quantum sensors can become a staple in the world of sport.

Biography

Warwick Bowen is recognised both nationally and internationally for research at the interface of nanotechnology and quantum science; including bioimaging, nanophotonics, nanomechanics, quantum optomechanics and photonic/quantum sensing.

He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics, is Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology, and leads the Quantum Optics Laboratory at UQ. The research in Professor Bowen's lab spans from the very fundamental, e.g. how does quantum physics transition into our everyday world at large scales? to applied, e.g. developing next generation sensors for medical diagnostics and navigation. To pursue this research, his lab works in close partnership with industry and uses state-of-the-art facilities for nanofabrication, nanoanalysis, precision optical measurement and deep cryogenic refrigeration available in-house or on campus at UQ.

Warrick has supervised more than thirty postgraduate students, who have been recognised with prizes such as Fulbright Scholarships, an Australian Youth Science Ambassadorship, a Springer PhD theses prize, the Queensland nomination for the Australian Institute of Physics Bragg Medal, the Australian Optical Society Postgraduate Student Prize and UQ Graduate of the Year.