Dissipation-Based Quantum Sensing of Magnons with a Superconducting Qubit

Hybrid quantum devices expand the tools and techniques available for quantum sensing in various fields. Here, we experimentally demonstrate quantum sensing of a steady-state magnon population in a magnetostatic mode of a ferrimagnetic crystal. Dispersively coupling the magnetostatic mode to a superconducting qubit allows for the detection of magnons using Ramsey interferometry with a sensitivity on the order of 10⁻³ magnons/sqrt[Hz]. The protocol is based on dissipation as dephasing via fluctuations in the magnetostatic mode reduces the qubit coherence proportionally to the number of magnons.