Cold Atom Space Payload (CASPA)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC)
Abstract
New developments in Quantum Technology have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero using lasers. At these extreme temperatures, laboratory experiments have shown that these cold atoms can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors for measuring gravity. The objective of this project is to take the technology out of the laboratory and build it into a small satellite payload that is capable of producing cold atoms in space. Demonstrating this new technology in space is a vital first step towards realising real instruments that are capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the earth. The extreme sensitivity brought by cold atom sensors will provide the ability to finely monitor the movement of mass within earth systems. This has multiple applications including accurate monitoring of changes in polar ice mass, ocean currents and sea level. Higher resolution data will lead to the ability to monitor smaller water sources and new underground natural resources which are currently not detectable. Similar technology will also be used for deep space navigation and for providing higher precision timing sources in space.
Planned Impact
The economic benefits arising from CASPA are an expected increase in UK turnover of several £million in 3-5 years based on new component sales from the industrial partners in the project, plus potential for further VC investment and growth via the development of high-value space satellite systems. These benefits will spill-over to the quantum supply chain, which includes specialist materials, components, and system integrators across the UK. Quantum technologies are expected to grow to a $Billion market in 2020 with over 50% of the required expertise based in Europe.
Socially, additional turnover equates to new jobs in the UK, including engineers, technical, sales and admin staff. Investment in quantum technologies will enable the UK to maintain an important technology lead and train a new generation of engineers and physicists with sought-after high level skills. Engagement with industry will enable those engineers to find jobs relevant to their training, while engagement with UK policy makers Innovate UK, DSTL, and EPSRC will ensure government priorities remain focussed on funding initiatives in areas of UK-centric expertise.
The use of cold atom gravimeters in space is expected to lead to a significant improvement in the ability to monitor earth systems. This will improve the capability of detecting and predicting earthquakes and floods and will enable sea level rise to be monitored with improved resolution. The additional data these devices produce will inform scientific research and guide government policy. Additionally the advancement in payload capability that the 6U form factor unlocks will support a number of environmentally important applications; for example, smart-farming, fish stock monitoring, forest fire monitoring, ocean colour monitoring and increased connectivity in remote regions. All of these aspects will protect human life and lead to increased quality of life for people living in at risk areas.
Socially, additional turnover equates to new jobs in the UK, including engineers, technical, sales and admin staff. Investment in quantum technologies will enable the UK to maintain an important technology lead and train a new generation of engineers and physicists with sought-after high level skills. Engagement with industry will enable those engineers to find jobs relevant to their training, while engagement with UK policy makers Innovate UK, DSTL, and EPSRC will ensure government priorities remain focussed on funding initiatives in areas of UK-centric expertise.
The use of cold atom gravimeters in space is expected to lead to a significant improvement in the ability to monitor earth systems. This will improve the capability of detecting and predicting earthquakes and floods and will enable sea level rise to be monitored with improved resolution. The additional data these devices produce will inform scientific research and guide government policy. Additionally the advancement in payload capability that the 6U form factor unlocks will support a number of environmentally important applications; for example, smart-farming, fish stock monitoring, forest fire monitoring, ocean colour monitoring and increased connectivity in remote regions. All of these aspects will protect human life and lead to increased quality of life for people living in at risk areas.
Organisations
- University of Southampton (Lead Research Organisation)
- Qinetiq (United Kingdom) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE (Collaboration)
- Teledyne Technologies International Corp (Collaboration)
- INEX Microtechnology (Collaboration)
- Optocap Ltd (Collaboration)
- ColdQuanta (Collaboration)
- Geomatrix Earth Science (Collaboration)
- E2V Technologies (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Clyde Space (Collaboration)
- RedWave Labs Ltd (Collaboration)
- XCAM Ltd (Collaboration)
- Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd (Collaboration)
- Power Photonic Limited (Collaboration)
- Gooch & Housego (Collaboration)
- TÜV Nord Group (Collaboration)
- Uniklasers Ltd (Collaboration)
- Covesion Ltd (Collaboration)
- Caledonian Photonics Limited (Collaboration)
- Altran (Collaboration)
- PHOTON FORCE LTD (Collaboration)
- Magnetic Shields Ltd (Collaboration)
- Silicon Microgravity Ltd. (Collaboration)
- AegiQ (Collaboration)
- RSK Group Limited (Collaboration)
Publications
Gray AC
(2020)
Zinc-indiffused MgO:PPLN waveguides for blue/UV generation via VECSEL pumping.
in Applied optics
Devani D
(2020)
Gravity sensing: cold atom trap onboard a 6U CubeSat
in CEAS Space Journal
Carpenter L
(2017)
Ductile dicing of LiNbO 3 ridge waveguide facets to achieve 0.29 nm surface roughness in single process step
in Electronics Letters
Gray A
(2020)
Investigation of PPLN Waveguide Uniformity via Second Harmonic Generation Spectra
in IEEE Photonics Technology Letters
Carpenter LG
(2019)
ZnO indiffused MgO:PPLN ridge waveguides.
in Optics express
Carpenter LG
(2020)
CW demonstration of SHG spectral narrowing in a PPLN waveguide generating 2.5 W at 780 nm.
in Optics express
Berry S
(2019)
Zn-indiffused diced ridge waveguides in MgO:PPLN generating 1 watt 780 nm SHG at 70% efficiency
in OSA Continuum
Devani D
(2020)
Gravity sensing: cold atom trap onboard a 6U CubeSat
in Springer Link
Carpenter L G
(2018)
Zinc indiffused PPLN ridge waveguides
Description | This award has enabled us to investigate and develop new manufacturing techniques for optical crystals. Specifically, we have developed a low-cost, scalable process for manufacture of nonlinear optical crystals that are able to efficiently change the wavelength (colour) of lasers. |
Exploitation Route | The processes developed by the University of Southampton under CASPA were transferred to Covesion Ltd via our 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP11034) which ran from November 2018. Through this KTP we introduced new products and services; Covesion are the only manufacturer of these nonlinear crystal components in Europe and the findings of CASPA have improved the company's ability to compete worldwide. In November 2018, we began the follow-on Innovate UK project 'Pioneer Gravity' to develop gravimeters for use in site surveying and construction; this is a multi-partner £9m ISCF Quantum Technology led by RSK and Teledyne e2v (see further funding). |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Construction Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
URL | http://www.covesion.com |
Description | Designs and manufacturing processes for optical waveguides in periodically poled lithium niobate have been transferred to Covesion Ltd. (originally a spin-out from the University of Southampton); this new technology will form the basis of additional product lines for the company. Covesion introduced PPLN waveguides as a product in June 2019. |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Construction,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Other |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Commercialising quantum devices: Pioneer Gravity |
Amount | £6,005,395 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 104613 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2018 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Knowledge Transfer Partnership |
Amount | £144,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 11034 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2018 |
Description | Mid-IR Upconversion Single-photon detection (MIRUS) |
Amount | £386,943 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 133994 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2020 |
End | 12/2021 |
Description | Research Chair |
Amount | £428,225 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RCSRF1718639 |
Organisation | Royal Academy of Engineering |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 02/2023 |
Description | Space-certified Nonlinear Optics for Rugged Quantum Lasers (SNORQL) |
Amount | £384,556 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 133980 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2020 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | CASPA |
Organisation | Clyde Space |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | New developments in Quantum Technology have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero using lasers. At these temperatures, laboratory experiments have shown that these "cold atoms" can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors for measuring gravity. CASPA will translate leading UK science into commercial products for space and other markets. It will take the technology out of the laboratory and build it into a small satellite payload that is capable of producing "cold atoms" in space. Demonstrating this new technology in space is a vital first step towards realising real instruments that are capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the earth. In this project, the University of Southampton are developing nonlinear optical waveguide devices to generate the specific laser wavelengths required for atom trapping. |
Collaborator Contribution | CASPA is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the CASPA gravity sensor system. Clyde Space provide expertise in cubist design. XCAM provide expertise in electronics and imaging. Gooch & Housego are designing the optical systems used in the satellite. Covesion provide expertise in the nonlinear crystals required to convert telecoms lasers to the wavelengths required for atom trap systems. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding: see associated sections of the CASPA project form. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | CASPA |
Organisation | Covesion Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | New developments in Quantum Technology have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero using lasers. At these temperatures, laboratory experiments have shown that these "cold atoms" can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors for measuring gravity. CASPA will translate leading UK science into commercial products for space and other markets. It will take the technology out of the laboratory and build it into a small satellite payload that is capable of producing "cold atoms" in space. Demonstrating this new technology in space is a vital first step towards realising real instruments that are capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the earth. In this project, the University of Southampton are developing nonlinear optical waveguide devices to generate the specific laser wavelengths required for atom trapping. |
Collaborator Contribution | CASPA is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the CASPA gravity sensor system. Clyde Space provide expertise in cubist design. XCAM provide expertise in electronics and imaging. Gooch & Housego are designing the optical systems used in the satellite. Covesion provide expertise in the nonlinear crystals required to convert telecoms lasers to the wavelengths required for atom trap systems. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding: see associated sections of the CASPA project form. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | CASPA |
Organisation | Gooch & Housego |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | New developments in Quantum Technology have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero using lasers. At these temperatures, laboratory experiments have shown that these "cold atoms" can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors for measuring gravity. CASPA will translate leading UK science into commercial products for space and other markets. It will take the technology out of the laboratory and build it into a small satellite payload that is capable of producing "cold atoms" in space. Demonstrating this new technology in space is a vital first step towards realising real instruments that are capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the earth. In this project, the University of Southampton are developing nonlinear optical waveguide devices to generate the specific laser wavelengths required for atom trapping. |
Collaborator Contribution | CASPA is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the CASPA gravity sensor system. Clyde Space provide expertise in cubist design. XCAM provide expertise in electronics and imaging. Gooch & Housego are designing the optical systems used in the satellite. Covesion provide expertise in the nonlinear crystals required to convert telecoms lasers to the wavelengths required for atom trap systems. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding: see associated sections of the CASPA project form. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | CASPA |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | New developments in Quantum Technology have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero using lasers. At these temperatures, laboratory experiments have shown that these "cold atoms" can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors for measuring gravity. CASPA will translate leading UK science into commercial products for space and other markets. It will take the technology out of the laboratory and build it into a small satellite payload that is capable of producing "cold atoms" in space. Demonstrating this new technology in space is a vital first step towards realising real instruments that are capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the earth. In this project, the University of Southampton are developing nonlinear optical waveguide devices to generate the specific laser wavelengths required for atom trapping. |
Collaborator Contribution | CASPA is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the CASPA gravity sensor system. Clyde Space provide expertise in cubist design. XCAM provide expertise in electronics and imaging. Gooch & Housego are designing the optical systems used in the satellite. Covesion provide expertise in the nonlinear crystals required to convert telecoms lasers to the wavelengths required for atom trap systems. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding: see associated sections of the CASPA project form. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | CASPA |
Organisation | XCAM Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | New developments in Quantum Technology have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero using lasers. At these temperatures, laboratory experiments have shown that these "cold atoms" can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors for measuring gravity. CASPA will translate leading UK science into commercial products for space and other markets. It will take the technology out of the laboratory and build it into a small satellite payload that is capable of producing "cold atoms" in space. Demonstrating this new technology in space is a vital first step towards realising real instruments that are capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the earth. In this project, the University of Southampton are developing nonlinear optical waveguide devices to generate the specific laser wavelengths required for atom trapping. |
Collaborator Contribution | CASPA is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the CASPA gravity sensor system. Clyde Space provide expertise in cubist design. XCAM provide expertise in electronics and imaging. Gooch & Housego are designing the optical systems used in the satellite. Covesion provide expertise in the nonlinear crystals required to convert telecoms lasers to the wavelengths required for atom trap systems. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding: see associated sections of the CASPA project form. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | CASPA |
Organisation | e2v Technologies |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | New developments in Quantum Technology have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero using lasers. At these temperatures, laboratory experiments have shown that these "cold atoms" can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors for measuring gravity. CASPA will translate leading UK science into commercial products for space and other markets. It will take the technology out of the laboratory and build it into a small satellite payload that is capable of producing "cold atoms" in space. Demonstrating this new technology in space is a vital first step towards realising real instruments that are capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the earth. In this project, the University of Southampton are developing nonlinear optical waveguide devices to generate the specific laser wavelengths required for atom trapping. |
Collaborator Contribution | CASPA is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the CASPA gravity sensor system. Clyde Space provide expertise in cubist design. XCAM provide expertise in electronics and imaging. Gooch & Housego are designing the optical systems used in the satellite. Covesion provide expertise in the nonlinear crystals required to convert telecoms lasers to the wavelengths required for atom trap systems. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding: see associated sections of the CASPA project form. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Altran |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Geomatrix Earth Science |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Magnetic Shields Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Optocap Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Qinetiq |
Department | QinetiQ (Malvern) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | RSK Group Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Silicon Microgravity Ltd. |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Teledyne Technologies International Corp |
Department | Teledyne e2v |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | Uniklasers Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | PIONEER GRAVITY |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Department | Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is Innovate UK's flagship ISCF Quantum Technology project; this project combines results and teams from the earlier Innovate UK CASPA and REVEAL quantum technology projects towards establishing a UK supply chain for quantum gravity sensor systems. The technological aim of Pioneer Gravity is to develop a quantum gravity sensor which uses coherent control of rubidium atoms in a superposition, interferometer arrangement. It aligns with the infrastructure productivity challenge, but also the situational awareness and seeing the invisible challenges as defined in the ISCF quantum call document. The role of Southampton in this project is to develop optical crystals for efficient generation of the 780nm wavelength required for operation of Rb atom traps. |
Collaborator Contribution | Pioneer Gravity is an Innovate UK funded collaborative research project. RSK and Teledyne e2v are project leaders and responsible for the overall design and build of the Pioneer Gravity gravity sensor system. Fraunhofer, Optocap, and UnikLasers provide expertise into the design of novel laser systems. Altran an Geomatrix Earth Science offer advice on the applications of gravity-based site surveying. Magnetic Shields are developing shielding for use in atom traps. Qinetiq are providing user advice for gravity based imaging in the field. Silicon Microgravity offer advice on gravity measurement system design and operation. The University of Birmingham offer expertise in the design and build of atom trap systems. |
Impact | Publications and further funding. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | AegiQ |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | Caledonian Photonics Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | ColdQuanta |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | Covesion Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | Gooch & Housego |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | INEX Microtechnology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | Photon Force Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | Power Photonic Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | RedWave Labs Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | TÜV Nord Group |
Department | Alter Technology TUV Nord UK Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | Uniklasers Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | QT Assemble |
Organisation | University of Strathclyde |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | QT Assemble is a £9m Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Quantum Technologies project. The project focuses on the development and integration of photonics components for use in quantum technologies, with a particular focus on miniaturisation and standardisation. My group at the University of Southampton have a £758k budget to develop processes for the manufacture of nonlinear optical waveguides for wavelength conversion of standard telecoms lasers to atom / ion trap specific wavelengths, diffractive elements to enable fiberised beam delivery of these lasers into the atom trap, and ultra-precision machining processes to fabricate miniaturised vacuum cells as a basis for the atom traps themselves. |
Collaborator Contribution | QT Assemble is a large £9m Innovate UK consortium project led by Fraunhofer UK. Each of the commercial partners listed above brings specific photonics technology and / or optical packaging experience to the project. For example; Covesion provide wavelength conversion materials, ColdQuanta are atom trap specialists, Alter UK are optical packaging specialists, Gooch & Housego are system integrators, Photon Force develop single photon detectors, UnikLasers provide speciality wavelength lasers, AegiQ are specialist quantum systems, RedWave labs provide photonics and electronics integration. Together the consortium are targeting several demonstrator platforms for miniaturised integrated optical components for use in quantum technologies, supported by our academic capabilities at Southampton and Strathclyde, |
Impact | The project has just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Title | PPLN Waveguides for Watt-Level Power Operation |
Description | Manufacturing process for PPLN waveguides capable of operating at >1W power levels, with demonstration of 2W pump at 1560nm to generate 1W second harmonic at 780nm. |
IP Reference | GB1908764.2 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | Manufacturing patent has been licensed to Covesion Ltd; Covesion introduced PPLN waveguides as a new product in June 2019. |
Company Name | Covesion |
Description | Covesion manufactures non-linear crystals, specialising in periodically poled lithium niobate, with applications in research, laser systems and equipment manufacturing. |
Year Established | 2007 |
Impact | Covesion has participated in several projects supported by Innovate UK; HELPS (K2515A), CFC-FREE (AF014L), MATRIX (56273), QWISPS (131877), QWISPS-2 (102668), CASPA (102805), ESCHER (104000), PEPE (3729), and three Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (8758, 9534, 11034). Covesion have commercialised the results of these projects and collaborations with the University of Southampton. There are currently 2 full time scientific/engineering posts within Covesion. |
Website | http://www.covesion.com |
Description | EPSRC Quantum Imaging, Sensing and Metrology Workshop on 6th March 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | The purpose of this EPSRC-hosted workshop is to identify future research challenges, barriers and priorities in the Quantum Imaging, Sensing and Metrology areas. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Infrared workshop on 6th December 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Workshop on new technologies for generating and using mid-infrared wavelengths in new applications. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Innovate UK Infrastructure Productivity Industry Roundtable on 1st May 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Cultivation event associated with the Innovate UK Pioneer Challenge in Quantum Technologies, which was announced as part of the UK government's Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Innovation South Showcase on 27th March 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The Innovation South Launch Event recognises that businesses innovation is the implementation of new ideas, creating dynamic products or improving existing services. Innovation can be a catalyst for the growth and success of your business, and help you to adapt and grow in a global marketplace. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | NATO SET-267 on advanced mid-infrared technology on 21-22nd October 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | NATO workshop on the development of mid-IR lasers for applications in defence and security. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | National Quantum Technology Showcase on 11th November 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Exhibitor - showcasing prototype wavelength conversion devices for generating 780nm laser wavelengths as a component for Rubidium atom traps. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | National Quantum Technology Showcase on 15th November 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Exhibitor - demonstration of PPLN waveguides & quantum optical components. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Photonics Hub Industry Day at the University of Southampton on 20th September 2018 |
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 | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Departmental open day. Trade Show event and lab tours for visitors from industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Quantum Space Technology Workshop on 27th September 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Community meeting led by RAL Space as part of the QTX-3 conference. Workshop to discuss development of quantum technologies for use in space applications. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |