The AMADEUS project has successfully concluded after advancing a new generation of quantum sensing technologies based on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond from laboratory research towards industrial applications.
AMADEUS was an industry-oriented European consortium focused on accelerating the market uptake of NV-diamond quantum sensing, one of the most mature and promising quantum sensing technologies. Building on previous European projects, the project brought
together large companies, research and technology organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and academic partners covering the full value chain from diamond material development to integrated sensing systems.
During the project, the consortium developed and demonstrated six innovative quantum sensing technologies based on diamond materials.
One of the main achievements was the demonstration of a compact radiofrequency sensor capable of detecting mobile communication signals outside laboratory conditions. This work represents an important step towards future quantum sensing solutions for monitoring radiofrequency signals in advanced communication networks.
For the semiconductor sector, AMADEUS demonstrated a non-invasive imaging system capable of detecting defects in microelectronic circuits at room temperature and in standard environments. This technology could support greater efficiency, reliability and throughput in semiconductor manufacturing.
In the medical field, the project developed a compact magnetic sensor for magnetocardiography that can operate without cryogenic cooling or magnetic shielding. This achievement paves the way for more accessible cardiovascular diagnostic technologies based on quantum sensing.
AMADEUS also developed a compact magnetic sensor for use in harsh environments and space applications, bringing diamond-based magnetometry closer to deployment in demanding operational conditions.
Alongside the development of these sensing systems, the consortium improved the quality and performance of the diamond materials used for quantum sensing. These advances provide an important foundation for the future industrial deployment of NV-diamond technologies in Europe.
A major strength of AMADEUS was its coverage of the entire European value chain. The project combined advanced diamond material growth and optimisation with component development, system integration and validation in representative environments.
By advancing NV-diamond quantum sensing from laboratory research towards industrial demonstration, AMADEUS supported the objectives of the EU Quantum Flagship, the EU Chips Act and Europe’s wider ambitions for technological sovereignty in critical enabling technologies.
The results of AMADEUS provide evidence that compact and energy-efficient quantum sensors can operate in standard or representative environments. This opens new opportunities for future applications in telecommunications, semiconductor manufacturing, medical diagnostics, aerospace and other industrial sectors.
Further uptake of the project results will require continued testing, system integration, certification and standardisation, as well as follow-up funding and industrial partnerships. The technologies developed within AMADEUS are expected to continue progressing towards industrial deployment and commercial exploitation in the coming years.
With AMADEUS now completed, its advances across the NV-diamond quantum sensing value chain provide a strong foundation for future industrial deployment and reinforce Europe’s position in emerging quantum technology markets.
