Prototype cryofree ultra low temperature environment for quantum enhanced sensors

It is usually very difficult to see the subtle effects of quantum mechanics at room temperature because they are
hidden by the noise of thermal agitation. For example, electrons in a circuit are constantly jostled by the atoms
in the material they are moving through. However, if the circuit is cooled close to absolute zero temperature,
almost 273C, then the jostling is reduced and sometimes quantum effects can shine through. In this project
we will build a prototype instrument for detecting tiny magnetic fields, where the sensitivity comes from
quantum effects that are revealed by cooling the sensor. Existing refrigerators that can reach this temperature
are large, expensive and complicated. Our instrument will be smaller, cheaper and easier to operate. The
project combines a team from Oxford Instruments, experts in providing low temperatures enviroments with
advanced cryogenic engineering, with a team from Lancaster University who are skilled in exploiting these low
temperatures to manipulate and control the quantum behaviour of electronic circuits. Together we will build a
prototype to demonstrate how low temperature quantum technologies can be used in a real sensing product.