Breakthrough in Quantum Sensing: Researchers Develop New Atomic Comagnetometer

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Beihang University in China have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum sensing, developing a new atomic comagnetometer that is capable of probing beyond-Standard-Model interactions with unprecedented sensitivity. By operating under a resonantly-coupled hybrid spin-resonance (HSR) regime, the comagnetometer is able to achieve robust nuclear-electron spin coupling, enhancing measurement bandwidth and stability without compromising high sensitivity. This achievement has significant implications for experimental searches for beyond-Standard-Model interactions and complements existing astrophysical and laboratory studies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new atomic comagnetometer is capable of probing beyond-Standard-Model interactions with a sensitivity improvement of three orders of magnitude compared to previous limits.
  • The comagnetometer operates under a resonantly-coupled hybrid spin-resonance (HSR) regime, enabling robust nuclear-electron spin coupling and enhancing measurement bandwidth and stability.
  • A multistage vibration isolation system is implemented to minimize vibration-related noise, achieving a 700-fold reduction in noise.
  • The new constraints on vector-boson-mediated parity-violating interactions are established through a rigorous experimental approach.
  • The research team, led by investigators from Beihang University, includes Zitong Xu, Xing Heng, Xiaofei Huang, Dinghui Gong, Guoqing Tian, Wei Ji, Jiancheng Fang, Dmitry Budker, and Kai Wei.
  • The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal has published the research findings, which have been peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

  • The new comagnetometer achieves a 700-fold reduction in vibration-related noise.
  • The experimental sensitivity is improved by three orders of magnitude compared to previous limits.
  • The research involves a team of investigators from Beihang University and other institutions.
  • The paper has been published in the Procedures of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
  • The journal ISSN is 0027-8424.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Beihang University Detail Findings in Science (Search for a parity-violating long-range spin-dependent interaction). Science Letter. October 24, 2025; p 1875.
  • Search for a parity-violating long-range spin-dependent interaction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2025;122(41).
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20418, USA. www.nasonline.org/