International Network for Microfabrication of Atomic Quantum Sensors

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.