Using a molecule as a quantum sensor A new quantum sensing technique could enable measurements of single protein structures and other important molecules, with potential applications in drug discovery and structural biology. (Nanowerk News) The research team from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo developed the new method that uses a single molecule as a quantum sensor (Physical Review X, "Long-lived mechanically-detected molecular spins for quantum sensing"). Quantum sensors use unique properties of quantum mechanics to make ultra-precise measurements that traditional sensors cannot achieve. (Animation: University of Waterloo)Model of a molecule spinningThe researchers used a class of molecules called trityl-OX063 as the quantum sensor. They know how to get to single spins, which is a key step toward mapping the structure of single molecules.