Centre for Quantum Technology

Manufacturing quantum components

In order to make quantum applications a reality, and build on scientific insights, we need novel components that allow complete systems to be manufactured and deployed. This includes a range of core quantum ‘building blocks’ that can be used to create complex systems, which are often based on specialist materials, and require engineering at the nano scale, before being tested and validated. These components, coupled with electronics and packaging form fully functional systems for quantum applications.

Active areas of research in the Centre include:

Components for Atomic Based Sensors: using integrated sources, cold atom traps and detectors to create sensors capable of measuring time, the smallest movement, amounts of gas, magnetic fields for applications in transport, security and healthcare.

Components for Quantum Computing: using cold atoms, cold ions and superconducting structures as qubits, memory, logic gate and detector components in next generation quantum computers.

Detector Technologies: optical detectors that image non-visible wavelengths, enabling improved communications, healthcare and awareness. 

Quantum Materials: using deposition and processing to engineer materials with non-classical properties for sensors, sources and computing.

System Integration: beyond the chip components themselves, users require these chips to be mounted and packaged for non-specialist use, replacing the classical commercial components from which whole system demonstrators are assembled.