Quantum-Enhanced Picostrain Sensing with Superconducting Qubits

Abstract

We propose a quantum-enhanced picostrain sensor that achieves Heisenberg-limited strain sensing using superconducting qubits. A strain-sensitive qubit s Hamiltonian is coupled to the momentum quadrature of a microwave resonator, transducing mechanical strain $\epsilon$ into amplified spatial displacements of the resonator s phase space. Using homodyne detection of the resonator field and multipartite entanglement of N qubits, the protocol achieves a strain sensitivity $\Delta\epsilon \sim p\epsilon$ (picostrain), two orders of magnitude better than classical sensors. The scheme integrates natively with superconducting processors, enabling in-situ diagnostic and nanoscale material characterization.