# High-density quantum sensing with dissipative first order transitions

## TL;DR

This paper proposes leveraging dissipative first order phase transitions in strongly interacting open quantum systems, like nitrogen-vacancy centers, to enhance quantum sensing sensitivity and robustness beyond traditional limits.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel approach where strong interactions induce a dissipative phase transition that improves quantum sensor performance, demonstrated through theoretical and numerical analysis.

## Key findings

- Existence of a dissipative first order transition in quantum sensors.
- Enhanced robustness against disorder and decoherence.
- Feasibility of observing the transition with current technology.

## Abstract

The sensing of external fields using quantum systems is a prime example of an emergent quantum technology. Generically, the sensitivity of a quantum sensor consisting of $N$ independent particles is proportional to $\sqrt{N}$. However, interactions invariably occuring at high densities lead to a breakdown of the assumption of independence between the particles, posing a severe challenge for quantum sensors operating at the nanoscale. Here, we show that interactions in quantum sensors can be transformed from a nuisance into an advantage when strong interactions trigger a dissipative phase transition in an open quantum system. We demonstrate this behavior by analyzing dissipative quantum sensors based upon nitrogen-vacancy defect centers in diamond. Using both a variational method and numerical simulation of the master equation describing the open quantum many-body system, we establish the existence of a dissipative first order transition that can be used for quantum sensing. We investigate the properties of this phase transition for two- and three-dimensional setups, demonstrating that the transition can be observed using current experimental technology. Finally, we show that quantum sensors based on dissipative phase transitions are particularly robust against imperfections such as disorder or decoherence, with the sensitivity of the sensor not being limited by the $T_2$ coherence time of the device. Our results can readily be applied to other applications in quantum sensing and quantum metrology where interactions are currently a limiting factor.