Svenja Knappe

Svenja Knappe is an Associate Research Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and previously serving as an adjunct professor in Psychology and Neuroscience. She leads research in quantum sensor technologies, particularly microfabricated atomic magnetometers for biomedical, aerospace, and industrial applications. Her work includes developing portable magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), enabling non-invasive brain imaging and neurological diagnostics. She co-founded FieldLine to commercialize these innovations and collaborates with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Education: B.Sc. (1998) and Ph.D. in Physics (2001) from Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität (Germany). Dissertation focused on dark resonance clocks and magnetometers.

Research emphasizes miniaturized quantum sensors for applications ranging from CubeSat-based Earth magnetic field mapping to medical devices like fetal magnetocardiography. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates microfabrication, frequency control, and novel packaging techniques. Ongoing projects include the Compact Spaceborne Magnetic Observatory (COSMO) CubeSat mission and magnetic communication systems using atomic magnetometers.

Key collaborations involve the CUBit Quantum Initiative (funded through a seed grant for chip-scale atomic clocks) and the HUNTER sterile neutrino search experiment. She holds patents on atomic magnetometer designs and related technologies.