The Micromaser: A Proving Ground for Quantum Physics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
The micromaser is an archetype experiment that has, in part, defined the field of modem quantum optics. The micromaser is one of the first projects seen by nearly every graduate student in theoretical quantum optics and there is a vast amount of theoretical work published on the micromaser with literally thousands of publications. Yet there are only two experiments in the world one in Germany in the group of H. Walther at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics and the other in France in the group of S. Haroche at the Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS). The experiment at the University of Sussex will combine features of these two experiments to open an as yet unexplored parameter space. The large equipment for constructing the maser (the cryostat and vacuum apparatus) is due to arrive in the middle of 2004. The construction will then take place in earnest with the first experiments planned in mid 2005. This fellowship is timed to coincide with the arrival of this apparatus and the start of the complex construction of the micromaser. It is important that this opportunity is taken now in order to see the rapid development of this apparatus. The development of the micromaser will add at least two identifiable values to UK research, firstly it is a focus of world wide theoretical research and secondly it provides training for the next generation of experimentalists in cavity QED.
People |
ORCID iD |
Benjamin Varcoe (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Benjamin Varcoe (Author)
(2011)
International Journal of Unconventional Computing
in International Journal of Unconventional Computing
Everitt M
(2011)
Creating and observing N -partite entanglement with atoms
in Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Johnson L
(2011)
A three-step laser stabilization scheme for excitation to Rydberg levels in 85Rb
in Applied Physics B
Johnson L
(2010)
Absolute frequency measurements of 85 Rb n F 7/2 Rydberg states using purely optical detection
in New Journal of Physics
Jones M
(2011)
Evolutionary optimization of state selective field ionization for quantum computing
in Applied Soft Computing
Sanguinetti B
(2009)
Precision measurements of quantum defects in the n P 3/2 Rydberg states of 85 Rb
in Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Description | We have discovered how to manipulate microwaves at a quantum level and we have discovered how to apply this in a practical sense to deliver new advances in quantum information science as practical demonstrations. This is an extremely important goal as microwaves are normally considered to be extremely classical and therefore "wave like". Hence our ability to think in terms of microwave photons in an ordinary communications system such as mobile phones or satellite communications is a great technological advance. |
Exploitation Route | We are already working with commercial partners to exploit these developments. This will ensure that what we have learnt will be widely disseminated and become the backbone of future communications technologies. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Security and Diplomacy |
Description | Subsequent to this award we have been awarded a research grant by Airbus Defense and space to develop quantum key distributions schemes for satellite based key distribution. We have received funding for a spinout company to develop quantum key distribution schemes in the microwave. We have also developed a spinout company to exploit outcomes of the research to provide an A&E department the ability to diagnose heart attack within a few minutes of a patients arrival. This will but hours out of the pathway and positively filter out well people without requiring an overnight stay. This will have a dramatic economic and social impact. |
First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Healthcare,Security and Diplomacy |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
Description | Magnetometer for the detection of cardiac magnetic fields |
Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IKC: Proof of Concept ? Magnetic Medical Imaging LB02 |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Department | Medical Technologies IKC |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Max Planck Inst for Quantum Optics |
Organisation | Max Planck Society |
Department | Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Medical Imaging |
Organisation | Quantum Imaging |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Contribution of know how and intellectual property |
Collaborator Contribution | Contracting development partners, constructing devices, providing business development and access to clinicians. |
Impact | Still active, none to report yet. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Quantum Communication |
Organisation | Airbus Group |
Department | Airbus Defence & Space |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Contribution of know how and intellectual property |
Collaborator Contribution | Know how, devices funding and direction. |
Impact | The collaboration is on going and yet to produce specific, reportable, outputs |
Start Year | 2014 |
Title | MAGNETOMETER FOR MEDICAL USE |
Description | A medical magnetometer (10) comprising one or more induction coils (2) for detecting a time varying magnetic field of a region of a subject's body, such as the heart. Each coil has a maximum outer diameter of 4 to 7 cm, and a configuration such that the ratio of the coil's length to its outer diameter is at least 0.5, and the ratio of the coil's inner diameter to its outer diameter is 0.5 or less. Each induction coil (2) is coupled to a respective detection circuit comprising a low impedance pre-ampiifier (3), a low pass filter (5), a notch filter (6) to remove line noise, and an averaging element (7). Each detection circuit produces an output signal (9) for use to analyse the time varying magnetic field of the region of the subject's body. |
IP Reference | WO2014006387 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | Licensed to Quantum Imaging for the development of devices for rapid detection of myocardial infarction. |
Title | SECURE COMMUNICATION |
Description | A method for allowing a first party and a second party to obtain shared secret information is provided. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining, by the first party, a sequence of values A=X+N A where X is a sequence of values and N A is a random sequence associated with the first party; obtaining, by the second party, a sequence of values B=X+N B where N B is a random sequence associated with the second party; performing, by the first and second parties, a data matching procedure to identify corresponding pairs of values, a j , b j , in respective sequences A and B that match, wherein sequences A and B are discrete-valued sequences equal to, derived from, or derived using, sequences A and B; wherein the shared secret information is equal to, or derived from, or derived using, the matching values in sequences A and B. |
IP Reference | WO2013175224 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2013 |
Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
Impact | Currently working with Airbus defense and space on the development of commercial applications of quantum cryptography. |
Title | Medical magnetic field mapping |
Description | This is a device for the rapid assessment of cardiac chest pain in an emergency department. The device is currently under development for commercial release in 2015. |
Type | Diagnostic Tool - Imaging |
Current Stage Of Development | Early clinical assessment |
Year Development Stage Completed | 2014 |
Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
Impact | No reportable developments yet. |
URL | http://quantumimaging.eu |
Company Name | Quantum Imaging |
Description | A company to develop magnetic imaging for the detection of myocardial infarction. |
Year Established | 2014 |
Impact | Currently developing new modalities for the assessment of cardiovascular disease with a CE marked device due mid 2015. |
Website | http://quantumimaging.eu |
Company Name | Cryptographiq |
Description | Holding company to permit the exploitation of quantum cryptography patents |
Year Established | 2012 |
Impact | Currently working with the University of Leeds and Airbus Defense and Space on the development of Satellite based quantum cryptography. |
Description | Breakthrough heart scanner will allow earlier diagnosis |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | EPSRC press release. The press release stimulated a lot of interest in the development of cardiac magnetometery and has led to the formation of a company to exploit the intellectual property. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |