University of Oxford - Equipment Account
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
In the last half century of human history we have seen an incredible revolution in our ability to process and disseminate information, with the rise of computers, high speed communication networks, and the internet. The pace of progress is still extremely high, but a major challenge is on the horizon, as the size of processing devices shrinks to approach the scale of single atoms. At such tiny length scales, the physics governing the operation of electronic devices changes fundamentally to obey the laws of quantum mechanics, and computer processors could no longer operate in the conventional way that they do today. This approaching horizon is both a challenge and an opportunity. It has now long been known theoretically that quantum mechanics can in fact be used to carry out computing and communication in ways that are impossible with 'classical' systems, and a large research effort is now underway across many scientific disciplines to realize such quantum communication and computation in a practical way.
In this fellowship, a variety of promising candidate systems for use as quantum bits (qubits) on future quantum electronic chips will be brought together and investigated in a truly quantum coherent manner. Static qubits made from superconducting electric circuits, and electrons trapped in islands on semiconductor chips will be coupled to 'flying' qubits in the form of quanta of light (photons) and quanta of vibrational motion (phonons) on electronic chips cooled to their lowest quantum mechanical energy state at close to absolute zero. The research will address key questions of how long the fragile quantum nature of information can last in such systems, how the different systems can be made to interact and exchange quantum information, and how they can be brought together to ultimately form the basic building blocks of future quantum computers, such as quantum logic gates and quantum memories.
A particular focus of the research is to explore the potential of a system known as cavity QED in which the interaction between atoms (or static qubits) and light (or flying qubits) is enhanced by trapping the light between mirrors that form a cavity. Such a system makes it possible to observe the exchange of energy or information between the atoms/qubits and the light at a much higher rate than in free space. In this particular project, this scenario is realized with microwave frequency photons or phonons trapped on the surface of an electronic chip, with static qubits fabricated in place inside the on-chip cavities. This architecture for cavity QED, and for quantum computing, is thought to be highly promising since scaling it up to larger numbers of qubits may be achieved using conventional processor fabrication techniques that exist today.
In this fellowship, a variety of promising candidate systems for use as quantum bits (qubits) on future quantum electronic chips will be brought together and investigated in a truly quantum coherent manner. Static qubits made from superconducting electric circuits, and electrons trapped in islands on semiconductor chips will be coupled to 'flying' qubits in the form of quanta of light (photons) and quanta of vibrational motion (phonons) on electronic chips cooled to their lowest quantum mechanical energy state at close to absolute zero. The research will address key questions of how long the fragile quantum nature of information can last in such systems, how the different systems can be made to interact and exchange quantum information, and how they can be brought together to ultimately form the basic building blocks of future quantum computers, such as quantum logic gates and quantum memories.
A particular focus of the research is to explore the potential of a system known as cavity QED in which the interaction between atoms (or static qubits) and light (or flying qubits) is enhanced by trapping the light between mirrors that form a cavity. Such a system makes it possible to observe the exchange of energy or information between the atoms/qubits and the light at a much higher rate than in free space. In this particular project, this scenario is realized with microwave frequency photons or phonons trapped on the surface of an electronic chip, with static qubits fabricated in place inside the on-chip cavities. This architecture for cavity QED, and for quantum computing, is thought to be highly promising since scaling it up to larger numbers of qubits may be achieved using conventional processor fabrication techniques that exist today.
Planned Impact
The new technology of quantum information processing (QIP) has the potential to have a major impact on society once realized. This is expected to occur within a timescale of several decades. Some already well identified applications will be in secure communication, high performance computing, and complex simulation (in particular of intrinsically quantum systems, which are at the heart of chemistry, biochemistry and nanotechnology). The work to be carried out in this project will contribute to the advancement of this global field, and will raise the profile of UK research within it. Large IT corporations are already beginning to invest in QIP research, and the published results of the work to be pursued in this project will be directly usable in their R&D departments. Direct engagement with such companies will be considered as the project progresses, dependent on success.
The practical and exploratory nature of the specific investigation of surface phonons at a quantum level in this proposal may lead to near-term applications in highly sensitive detectors, benefitting the UK economy through generation of IP and potentially spin-off companies.
Active communication of the new research with young people in both universities and schools will inform and raise awareness of quantum science in general, enhance science education, and motivate more young people to consider higher science education and scientific careers, in particular in physics. Participation in local outreach programmes will contribute to local culture, and improve general public understanding and awareness of quantum mechanics and related research. Explanation of published research results in layman's terms through various media will be undertaken, and will contribute to the communication of the impact of public research funding.
The practical and exploratory nature of the specific investigation of surface phonons at a quantum level in this proposal may lead to near-term applications in highly sensitive detectors, benefitting the UK economy through generation of IP and potentially spin-off companies.
Active communication of the new research with young people in both universities and schools will inform and raise awareness of quantum science in general, enhance science education, and motivate more young people to consider higher science education and scientific careers, in particular in physics. Participation in local outreach programmes will contribute to local culture, and improve general public understanding and awareness of quantum mechanics and related research. Explanation of published research results in layman's terms through various media will be undertaken, and will contribute to the communication of the impact of public research funding.
Publications
Dijkman PM
(2018)
Dynamic tuneable G protein-coupled receptor monomer-dimer populations.
in Nature communications
Dohr J
(2017)
The influence of surface oxides on the mechanical response of oxidized grain boundaries
in Thin Solid Films
Doyle LR
(2018)
Reversible coordination of N2 and H2 to a homoleptic S = 1/2 Fe(i) diphosphine complex in solution and the solid state.
in Chemical science
Duan H
(2017)
Hydrodeoxygenation of water-insoluble bio-oil to alkanes using a highly dispersed Pd-Mo catalyst.
in Nature communications
Dufferwiel S
(2017)
Publisher's Note: Spin Textures of Exciton-Polaritons in a Tunable Microcavity with Large TE-TM Splitting [Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 246401 (2015)].
in Physical review letters
Dufferwiel S
(2018)
Valley coherent exciton-polaritons in a monolayer semiconductor.
in Nature communications
Elgaml M
(2024)
Controlling the Superconductivity of Nb2PdxS5 via Reversible Li Intercalation.
in Inorganic chemistry
Ellaby T
(2018)
Ideal versus real: simulated annealing of experimentally derived and geometric platinum nanoparticles.
in Journal of physics. Condensed matter : an Institute of Physics journal
Description | The equipment supported by this grant has enabled, and continues to enable, a wide range of experimental science in areas of strategic importance for the UK. Replacing old, unreliable equipment with the latest technology has enhanced Oxford research capability and productivity, and thus the UK's competitiveness in these fast moving research fields. Investment in electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has supported a diverse range of research across chemistry, biological chemistry, material sciences, and physics, including projects with applications in medicine (e.g. protein-protein recognition, and pathogen-host interactions), hydrogen storage with potential use in energy applications, and molecular systems for quantum information technology, with applications in quantum computing. The facility has supported more than 120 users over the last four years from about 50 research groups at Oxford, 12 groups from other HEIs in the UK, and 9 international groups. Upgrades to the FIB and SEM capabilities at Oxford have enabled novel materials research with applications of benefit to wider society, such as energy. The improved analytical abilities have been instrumental in work to develop third generation solar cells that use solution-processed semiconductor materials and that can be fabricated using roll-to-roll printing methods, a common technique in industrial manufacturing. The upgraded SEM facilities have supported research on optical and electronic properties of solid state nanostructures, with applications such as optoelectronics devices, quantum information processing and photovoltaics. As the UK transitions to low carbon energy, there is increasing need for modern nuclear fission reactors, which currently account for 16% of the UK's total electricity generation. EPSRC investment in Atom Probe Tomography (APT) at Oxford has supported research into materials crucial for developing next generation nuclear fission power facilities. For example, Liquid lead (Pb) and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) cooled fast reactors promise the best power density and economics among fission reactors, however this technology has been held back by concerns related to degradation of the material from irradiation - research supported by APT at Oxford has facilitated rapid testing of candidate alloys to overcome the issues associated with optimisation of the structural and cladding materials needed to deliver Pb/LBE cooled fast reactors. Support for capital equipment has underpinned the research and real-world impact of Oxford's Mobile Robotics Institute, supporting the development of autonomous vehicles technology, shaping UK policy in autonomous vehicles, and helping establish the UK as a world leader in this area. Research from the Institute has been commercialised through the spinout of Oxbotica, which employs engineers developing software for autonomous vehicles that are being used across a wide range of industries, beyond automobiles, including air travel, mining and logistics. Oxbotica employs about 170 people across four sites in the UK and Canada, and has commercial partnerships with major industrial companies. The Oxford Robotic Group's research is shaping AV policy in the UK through participation in major UK autonomous vehicle trials. |
First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Transport,Other |
Impact Types | Societal Economic Policy & public services |
Description | Advanced Device Concepts for Next-Generation Photovoltaics |
Amount | £7,679,606 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/X038777/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2023 |
End | 09/2028 |
Description | All-Evaporated Triple-Junction Perovskite Photovoltaic Devices |
Amount | £397,536 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/W007975/2 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2023 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | An Atomic-Scale Characterisation Facility for Active Nuclear Materials |
Amount | £3,825,423 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T011505/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2019 |
End | 05/2024 |
Description | EPSRC Case Incentivisation - Pryzemslaw Klups |
Amount | £59,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | Rolls Royce Group Plc |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 05/2022 |
Description | EPSRC Core Equipment Award 2020 - University of Oxford |
Amount | £1,667,855 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/V036408/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2020 |
End | 05/2023 |
Description | Industrial Sponsorship of PhD Project |
Amount | £150,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | National Nuclear Laboratory |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2023 |
End | 04/2027 |
Description | Interface Engineering for Terawatt Scale Deployment of Perovskite-on-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells |
Amount | £1,148,260 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/X037169/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2024 |
End | 01/2027 |
Description | Linking Microstructure to Neutron Irradiation Defects in Advanced Manufacture of Steels |
Amount | £401,198 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/P005640/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2016 |
End | 11/2019 |
Description | NEURONE |
Amount | £788,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | UK Atomic Energy Authority |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2023 |
End | 04/2028 |
Description | NEXt generation of sUstainable perovskite-Silicon tandem cells |
Amount | € 397,820,125 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 101075330 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 11/2022 |
End | 10/2025 |
Description | Nanoparticle and chemical sensors using optical microcavities |
Amount | £419,893 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R045232/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | Ni-based ODS alloys for Molten Salt Reactors |
Amount | £499,728 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T002441/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2019 |
End | 11/2023 |
Description | Perovskite solar cells with power conversion efficiencies and extended lifetime |
Amount | € 387,739,650 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 101082176 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 12/2025 |
Description | Polariton lattices: a solid-state platform for quantum simulations of correlated and topological states |
Amount | £169,920 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R044058/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2018 |
End | 01/2021 |
Description | Quantifying and Improving Structure-Function Relationships of All-Small-Molecule Organic-Solar-Cells |
Amount | £418,213 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/V035770/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 09/2024 |
Description | Simultaneous Corrosion/Irradiation Testing in Lead and Lead-Bismuth Eutectic: The Radiation Decelerated Corrosion Hypothesis (RC-3) |
Amount | £543,314 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T002808/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 12/2023 |
Description | Understanding the effect of CW on SCC of PWR components |
Amount | £234,698 (GBP) |
Organisation | Électricité de France EDF |
Sector | Private |
Country | France |
Start | 09/2023 |
End | 03/2027 |
Description | Understanding the mechanisms controlling low potential stress corrosion cracking in nuclear reactors |
Amount | £1,412,712 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R009392/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2017 |
End | 05/2022 |
Title | Cluster Deposition Tool |
Description | This tool is a cluster of multiple thin film vacuum deposition chambers all attached to central handlers, under high vacuum. This tool will enable significant advances in the deposition of multi layer highly functional electronic devices, including solar cells, transistors, LEDs and spintronic devices. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This tool is going to come on line in 2020. and be available for use by the research community as part of a National Research Facility. |
Description | Earth and Space Geological Science |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | School of Geographical and Earth Sciences Glasgow |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | providing atom probe atomic scale characterisation of meteorite materials |
Collaborator Contribution | providing unique meteorite and other space andearth geological sampes for atomic sclae investigations into their origins |
Impact | multi-disciplinary analyses between Materials Sceince and Space/Geological Science analysis have been sucessfully commenced and are ongoing |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | M A Auger |
Organisation | Charles III University of Madrid |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Enabled atomic scale analyses of irraidated ODS steels, and other steels, with applications to the build of fission and fusion reactors |
Collaborator Contribution | Development of the next generation of high performance steels for a variety of applications as components of nuclear reactors |
Impact | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2021.152842 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtla.2020.100946 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2020.152466 |
Start Year | 2019 |
Title | Electrode design methodology |
Description | The invention relates to the formation of electrodes for solid state batteries with a designer microstructure that aims to increase the ionic mobility through the thickness of solid state cathode or solid state separator/membrane. This is achieved through the novel use of liquid electrolyte that is frozen during the electrode formation and then cured using a UV source. THis frozen and cured ion conducting polymer forms the function of both a pore template and an electrolyte. |
IP Reference | GB2015840.8 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2020 |
Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
Impact | Method of forming an electrode, C.A. Huang and P.S. Grant, patent filing GB2015840.8, 06/10/2020 Further exploration and possible licensing is underway. |
Title | Electrode design methodology |
Description | The present disclosure relates to graded electrodes for an electric battery cell, and to methods of designing and manufacturing such electrodes |
IP Reference | GB2012487.1 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2020 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Discussions with potentially licensees ongoing |
Title | CASRA tool for atom probe tomography (APT) data simulation and reconstruction |
Description | An open-source version of a software library for aiding in the design and fault analysis of semiconductor device in industry has been produced and made publicly available (www.gitlab.com/fletchie/casra). User-friendly C++ open-source software tool for performing advanced APT image analysis. The software was to enable both rapid data interpretation through APT simulation, and direct correction of the distortions present in APT images of semiconductors. |
Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | n/a |
URL | https://gitlab.com/fletchie/casra |
Company Name | Oxa |
Description | Oxa develops software designed to power driverless vehicles, with technology that uses features such as cameras and lasers in order to sense and navigate the surrounding environment. |
Year Established | 2014 |
Impact | The technology developed by Oxbotica is applicable to all vehicle domains. For example in late 2017 on one single day, Oxbotica was running autonomous vehicles in Heathrow (planeside), a mine in Australia, a port in Singapore, 3 road-vehicles in the UK Midlands, a warehouse in Vienna and a Campus in Pasadena. Oxbotica raised $140m in series C investment in January 2023, to deploy its operating system for Universal Autonomy in multiple commercial and industrial settings around the world. The funding will drive Oxbotica's geographical expansion in North America, and other parts of the world, and accelerate the deployment of its ground-breaking autonomy operating system in domains where there is both urgent need, including agriculture, airports, energy, goods delivery, mining and shared passenger transportation. Oxbotica has had many impacts, including completing the first fully-autonomous, driverless car test on open publicly-accessible roads in Europe, using the all-electric AppliedEV vehicle with no onboard driver, marking the next step in commercialising AV technology. |
Website | http://www.oxbotica.com |
Company Name | Oxford HighQ |
Description | Oxford HighQ develops fluid-based chemical and nanoparticle sensors, designed to detect and identify chemicals in small quantities. |
Year Established | 2017 |
Impact | None as yet |
Website | https://www.oxfordhighq.com/ |
Description | 39 ways to save the planet |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The radio documentaries covered a broad range of ways people are working towards improving sustainability and the environment. One documentary focused on solar cells, largely based on the perovskite PV technology developed by Oxford University and Oxford PV Ltd. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000r3nn |
Description | RE:ENERGIZE Refining Solar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | RE:TV is a showcase for inspiring innovations and ideas that point the way towards a sustainable future, curated by editor-in-chief, His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales. A series addressing the challenges in Getting to net Zero, featured Prof Snaith and Oxford PV Ltd. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.re-tv.org/reenergize/refining-solar |
Description | South of England Analytical Electron Microscope [ATEM] schools demonstration |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The instrument has been used for outreach activities including students on a summer school from the Northwest Science Network (an Oxford-led outreach initiative working with a network of state schools in the northwest of England) who were able to see atoms in real time, exploring a sample and adjusting the microscope. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | The Engineers: Clean Energy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Three engineers leading the field in clean energy solutions came together for a special event presented by Kevin Fong at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Prof Snaith presented and was on the panel representing Solar PV. In addition, there was a related schools competition, Organised by the Royal Commission for the exhibition of 1851, where the prize for the winning schools amounted to a seminar and questions and answer session with Prof Snaith. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.big-ideas.org/project/the-engineers-royal-commission-for-the-exhibition-of-1851/ |
Description | Virtual Atom Probe Tomography and Microscopy Conference |
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 | Oxford Materials hosted the Virtual Atom Probe Tomography and Microscopy Conference, which is the most prestigious international conference dedicated to materials research underpinned by APT. https://aptm2020.web.ox.ac.uk/ More than 200 researchers from around the world attended this 3-day event which was held via Zoom and streamed on Youtube. The event raised the profile of the new atom probe facility within this research community. As part of the conference delegates, in particular students, were encouraged to pre-record 5 minute mini-presentations to highlight their research which we then posted on youtube. We received 44 submissions which have been collectively received over 4,300 views |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-0gZJOh94SfNCVFaZm6WNGLc2BDkvRex |