Quantum technologies promise the creation of environmental sensors which outperform classical devices. However, a quantum advantage in sensitivity is challenging in practice because of the fragility of the quantum states they employ. In this project, the research team will create a table-top sensor that exhibits quantum enhanced sensitivity without the necessity of using fragile quantum states. The platform that makes this possible uses focused laser light to hold a nanoscale sized bead, an arrangement called an optical tweezer. The optical tweezer, by using additional laser beams and electronic signal processing, can be controlled to create states of bead motion which mimic quantum states. These novel states of motion can be used as a sensing and metrology platform which surpasses the standard quantum limit, with estimated sensitivity enhancements of approximately one thousand. The research promises to uncover a new fundamental understanding in nanoscale optical physics and will also create a sensor that could impact a variety of fields across the natural sciences. Some example applications include detecting gravitational waves, searching for non-Newtonian gravity and testing quantum wavefunction collapse models. The project will also expose high school students and undergraduates to the excitement of optical physics, motivating them to consider future education and careers in STEM. In parallel, graduate students will be trained as optical scientists prepared to make an im