Quantum Sensing

The next generation of diagnostics begins with the ability to make the invisible measurable. Quantum sensing opens up new possibilities by making even the weakest biomagnetic signals visible. Magnetic fields generated by the activity of the heart, brain, or nerves contain valuable information about physiological processes and diseases. Their measurement, however, places high demands on sensor technology and the measurement environment, as the signals are many times weaker than natural and technical interference fields.

In the Applied Biomechanics and Biosignals Sensing research group, we support the transfer of this key technology from research into application. Our focus is on the development of robust measurement concepts that enable the reliable acquisition of biomagnetic signals even under practical conditions.

To achieve this, we identify and characterize both magnetic and electrical sources of interference, develop strategies to minimize interference effects, and create the prerequisites for valid and reproducible measurements. For the evaluation and optimization of new sensor systems, we use specially developed physiological signal phantoms that allow biological signals to be realistically reproduced under controlled conditions.

In addition to experimental validation, we support our partners in the interpretation and analysis of complex sensor signals, thereby creating the foundation for meaningful diagnostic procedures. By combining quantum sensing, measurement technology, and application expertise, we contribute to making the diagnostics of the future more precise, earlier, and more patient-friendly.

Together with research institutions, clinics, and medical technology companies, we develop solutions that accelerate the path of innovative quantum sensors into medical practice and make the potential of biomagnetic measurement methods available for new diagnostic applications.

Laboratory

• 10  x Fieldline Zero-field optically-pumped magnetometers (<20fT/√Hz)

• Vacuumschmelze Magnetische Abschirmkammer für Personen (Restfeld < 50 nT)

• Aktiv-kompensierter Helmholz-Käfig (Kantenlänge 1,4 m, <60nT Restfeld)

• Fluxgate Magnetometer (<20pT/√Hz)

Projects

• SprinD Q-Vortex –Quantum-Aided Cardiac Vortex Detection  (2026-2027)

• BMFTR QHMI/QHMI2 – Quantum-based human machine interfaces (2021-2027)

• Invest BW Praxissprints: VitalQ – Vitalparameterüberwachung mittels Quantensensoren (2025)

• Industry funded MMGPro (2023-2025)

Publications

Omar, M et al.; 2026. Human cardiac measurements with diamond magnetometers. Science Advances, 12(38), p.eaeg5281.

Yang, H., Klotz, T., Gizzi, L., Lu, H., Monittola, G., Schneider, U., Siegel, M. and Marquetand, J., 2025. The effect of sensor-to-source distance on magnetic neuromuscular signals. Scientific Reports, 15(1), p.20225.

Gizzi, L; Marquetand, J; Köllner, J; Roelver, R; Jag-Lauber, K; Siegel, M; Schneider, U (2024): Nitrogen-vacancy centers for prosthesis control. In: Biophotonics in Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, Health Monitoring Technologies, and Wearables V 12838, S. 28. DOI: 10.1117/12.3022607.

Zhang, C., Zhang, J., Widmann, M., Benke, M., Kübler, M., Dasari, D., Klotz, T., Gizzi, L., Röhrle, O., Brenner, P. and Wrachtrup, J., 2023. Optimizing NV magnetometry for magnetoneurography and magnetomyography applications. Frontiers in neuroscience, 16, p.1034391.

Gizzi, L; Vujaklija, I; Sartori, M; Röhrle, O; Severini, G (2021): Somatosensory Integration in Human Movement: Perspectives for Neuromechanics, Modelling and Rehabilitation. In: Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 9, S. 725603. DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.725603.

Jiang, N; Gizzi, L; Mrachacz-Kersting, N; Dremstrup, K; Farina, D (2015): A brain-computer interface for single-trial detection of gait initiation from movement related cortical potentials. In: Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology 126 (1), S. 154–159. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.05.003.