COVER STORY
The shift towards 3D printed
electronics is democratising access to advanced research tools
3D printed electronics can revolutionise the scale and cost of quantum sensors
with traditional PCB manufacturing, which involves over 70 steps, while allowing for innovative designs and new classes of parts. Key technical specifications of the
DragonFly IV focus on trace width, signal and plane layer thickness, via diameter and reliable printing materials.
DEMOCRATISING QUANTUM SENSOR RESEARCH The shift towards 3D printed electronics is democratising access to advanced research tools. Institutions like the University of Stuttgart and QSens are leading the way by adopting these technologies, highlighting a broader trend. The ability to produce sophisticated electronic components in-house allows universities and research labs to innovate more rapidly. This autonomy from traditional manufacturing constraints means faster design iterations and experimentation cycles, fostering a more dynamic and responsive research environment.
Quantum sensors integrated via
3D printing hold immense potential in various applications. In medicine, these sensors can be pivotal in developing advanced prosthetics controlled by neural signals, providing a significant quality- of-life improvement for amputees. Furthermore, for patients with conditions like locked-in syndrome, these sensors could enable new forms of communication by detecting and interpreting brain signals. The future of 3D printed quantum
sensors is bright, with ongoing research focusing on improving material properties, resolution, and integration techniques. As these
technologies mature, we can expect a new era of quantum sensors that are more compact, cost-effective, and widely accessible, paving the way for innovative applications across various fields. The integration of 3D printed
electronics with quantum sensors based on NV centers in diamond marks a significant leap forward in sensor technology. This approach not only addresses current limitations in precision, noise reduction, size and cost but also opens up new possibilities for advanced applications in medicine and other fields. As 3D printing technologies continue to evolve, the future of quantum sensing looks increasingly promising, heralding a new age of innovation and accessibility in scientific research and practical applications.
3D printing enables faster design iterations
Dr. Rafael Del Rey is director of global application engineering at Nano Dimension.
www.nano-di.com
www.engineerlive.com 7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
