International Network for Microfabrication of Atomic Quantum Sensors
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The International Network for Microfabrication of Atomic Quantum Sensors brings together a consortium of world-leading academic groups with expertise in quantum measurement applications, microengineering, photonics and atomic devices to create a framework for collaboration on the next generation of fully integrated atomic sensors. It is well established that instruments built around atomic spectroscopy remain at the state-of-the-art for atomic clocks, magnetometers and a wide range of quantum sensors. However, the in-field deployment, and thus application range, of these sensors has been largely limited by the scalability of the systems' constituent parts. As such, global institutions are pursuing new modalities to enable innovation and tackle this issue through the technological development of next-generation quantum sensors. Often this will require the integration of a diverse range of technology platforms with a vast potential for further advances through collaboration and an open exchange of ideas. An example would be the tantalising prospect of a semiconductor laser photonically integrated with modulators and beam control, integrated with a chip-scale vacuum system developed with microfabricated optical couplers and components, to enable laser cooling of atoms. These parts all exist in the network and their amalgamation is the key to unlocking the opportunities for truly portable and miniaturised sensors.
The network will pursue this opportunity and others where recent advances in component technology have provided important steps forward, but where the realisation of fully integrated, microfabricated devices and sensors has remained elusive. This is partly due to the global spread of component developments and the present lack of an appropriate international network forum for bringing together ideas and technology through e.g. regular meetings and researcher exchanges. With its global reach to international leaders in the field and connection to key UK supply chain industry with established credentials in Quantum Technology development, the International Network for Microfabrication of Atomic Quantum Sensors will facilitate critical multinational collaborations and firmly establish the UK quantum programme and its institutions and industry at the forefront of the drive towards integrated atomic sensors.
The network will pursue this opportunity and others where recent advances in component technology have provided important steps forward, but where the realisation of fully integrated, microfabricated devices and sensors has remained elusive. This is partly due to the global spread of component developments and the present lack of an appropriate international network forum for bringing together ideas and technology through e.g. regular meetings and researcher exchanges. With its global reach to international leaders in the field and connection to key UK supply chain industry with established credentials in Quantum Technology development, the International Network for Microfabrication of Atomic Quantum Sensors will facilitate critical multinational collaborations and firmly establish the UK quantum programme and its institutions and industry at the forefront of the drive towards integrated atomic sensors.
Organisations
Publications
Batori E
(2023)
An additive-manufactured microwave cavity for a compact cold-atom clock
in Journal of Applied Physics
Bregazzi A
(2024)
A cold-atom Ramsey clock with a low volume physics package
in Scientific Reports
Dyer S
(2023)
Nitrogen buffer gas pressure tuning in a micro-machined vapor cell
in Applied Physics Letters
Dyer S
(2023)
Chip-Scale Packages for a Tunable Wavelength Reference and Laser Cooling Platform
in Physical Review Applied
Hunter D
(2023)
Free-induction-decay magnetic field imaging with a microfabricated Cs vapor cell.
in Optics express
McGilligan JP
(2022)
Micro-fabricated components for cold atom sensors.
in The Review of scientific instruments
Description | The networking grant has enabled us to construct an international consortium of experts in atomic sensing, while placing UK research institutions at the centre of communication and engagement. This has led to a number of international exchanges for UK research staff to work through the network of international laboratories. In doing so, these researchers are able to learn key new skills that they return with to aid the further development of UK quantum research, as well as strengthen our national capabilities. |
Exploitation Route | The skills sets and networking connections that have been created within this grant will likely grow into future collaborations and workshops to maintain communication and international relationships within atomic quantum sensing. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Security and Diplomacy Transport |
URL | https://www.inmaqs.ac.uk/about/ |
Description | The core technological developments that have arisen from international collaborations have strengthen UK national research. As a result, new technologies have been developed with a high TRL, which will likely lead to commercialisation in the near future. |
First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Alan Bregazzi talk - INMAQS research - Photonics West 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Mr Bregazzi gave a talk at Photonics West, 2023, highlighting his recent work in collaboration with Neuchatel University, through the INMAQS network. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://spie.org/photonics-west/presentation/A-compact-cold-atom-double-resonance-clock/12447-18 |
Description | Deep silicon cell fabrication for chip-scale atomic sensors - SPIE Photonics West 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presenting an annual update of the Strathclyde research and highlighting the network to an international audience |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonics-west |
Description | INMAQS Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | The INMAQS workshop took place in September 2022, located at Ross Priory on Loch Lomond, Scotland. The aim of the workshops was to provide a collaborative retreat, where academics and industry could present their work and engage with each other to develop potential collaborations going forward in the grant. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.inmaqs.ac.uk/ |
Description | INSQT Talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | An overview of Strathclyde work that has taken place within INMAQS was presented at another international network event for INSQT. The audience here were focussed on space related quantum technology, provided a wider outreach of the INMAQS activities and leading to future engagement. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.insqt.ac.uk/ |
Description | Media release |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Press release for the INMAQS Network |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.strath.ac.uk/whystrathclyde/news/2022/twointernationalquantumnetworkstobeledatstrathclyd... |
Description | Micro-fabrication of field deployable quantum sensors |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presenting research from within the INMAQS network at the Living Planet Symposium - May 2022 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://lps22.eu/ |
Description | Progress towards a fully integrated cold-atom measurement platform - SPIE Photonics West 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was a presentation at Photonics West in 2023, highlighting the Strathclyde research from within INMAQS to an international community. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonics-west |