The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has successfully demonstrated the world’s first ultra-precise, ultra-high-resolution distributed quantum sensor using entangled light. This disruptive innovation results in an unrivaled 88% increase in accuracy compared to sensor-based sensing solutions. The announcement is a huge step in the exciting application of quantum technology. Dr. Hyang-Tag Lim’s research team at KIST’s Center for Quantum Technology has pushed the boundaries of quantum sensing, achieving performance that approaches the Heisenberg limit in both theoretical and experimental contexts.
KIST has established a distributed sensor network, which operates by utilizing a special quantum-entangled state known as the multi-mode N00N state. This cutting-edge technology dramatically improves both precision and resolution. The multi-mode N00N state is the specific case of N00N states where multiple photons are entangled along defined paths, resulting in denser interference fringes. This cutting-edge method allows for extremely precise measurements. This provides K Korea with a great foundation to be a fierce competitor in the quickly evolving area of quantum sensors.
Breakthrough in Quantum Sensing
This new distributed quantum sensor network developed by KIST realizes an extraordinary 2.74 dB enhancement in sensitivity compared to the classical limit. This improvement pushes the sensors’ capabilities closer to the theoretical Heisenberg limit. This theoretical limit establishes the quantum-level measurements’ highest precision possible. After phase encoding, the research team determines the average of two phases using local measurements. They aren’t just using qubits to gather information—they’re smartly capitalizing on quantum entanglement to glean plenty more data from each measurement.
This innovation not only showcases KIST’s capabilities but signals South Korea’s potential to secure international competitiveness in the field of quantum sensors, where major advanced countries like the United States and various European nations have already invested heavily.
“This achievement marks an important milestone, demonstrating the potential of practical quantum sensor networks based on quantum entanglement technology.”
The consequences of KIST’s research run much deeper than mere scientific curiosity. KIST imagines all sorts of real-world applications transforming daily life. They hope to do this by combining their technology with silicon-photonics-based quantum chip technology in future collaborative projects. The potential to do ultra-high precision resolution on a massive scale would be a game-changer in fields like telecommunications, medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
Implications for Future Technology
KIST has been actively involved in boosting the quantum technology industry. Yet it’s their foresight that will ensure these advancements translate to real-world benefits.
KIST’s innovative work has received astounding recognition in the scientific field. This work went on to be published in the highly competitive Physical Review Letters. Furthermore, it is accessible on arXiv under DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2508.02070, making it available for further scrutiny and study by scientists and researchers worldwide.
“In the future, when combined with silicon-photonics-based quantum chip technology, it could be applied to a wide range of everyday applications.”
Partner countries around the world are making strategic investments to develop and lead the next generation of strategic technologies, especially quantum sensors. In the meantime, KIST’s accomplishments are leading South Korea to the forefront of this thrilling field. The terms applied to the research team’s innovative methodologies and discoveries should foretell their real potential to shape future developments in quantum sensing and technology.
Recognition and Publication
KIST’s groundbreaking work has been recognized in the scientific community, with their research published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters. Furthermore, it is accessible on arXiv under DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2508.02070, making it available for further scrutiny and study by scientists and researchers worldwide.
As countries around the globe continue to prioritize investments in next-generation strategic technologies like quantum sensors, KIST’s achievements place South Korea at the forefront of this emerging field. The research team’s innovative methodologies and discoveries highlight their potential to influence future developments in quantum sensing and technology.