Optical coating optimisation to enable the transfer of technologies from gravitational wave detection to quantum and intense light-matter experiments
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Biomedical Engineering
Abstract
Some of the most exciting experiments planned in the UK and internationally - from studying extreme light-matter interactions, to the exploitation of quantum technologies - are demanding unpreceded performance in mirror coating technology. Optical thin film coatings appear ubiquitously in the technology around us, however current available performances will not meet the requirements for, and will thus limit the exploitation from, many of these experiments. For example, emerging extreme light-matter experiments are now handling power densities an order of magnitude higher than those previously achieved. This includes major UK infrastructures, including the Central Laser Facility (CLF) and the Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma-based Accelerators (SCAPA), in addition to partnership initiatives in Europe including the 850MEuro European funded Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI). All these experiments will soon require laser damage threshold (LDT) performance in the highly reflective mirrors at a level not currently available. This proposal, for the first time, will seek to exploit advanced optical coating technologies, developed with the field of gravitational wave astronomy, for use in intense-light matter experiments. Moreover, the capabilities developed will significantly support existing activities within the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (QTFP) and the UK's continued effort in gravitational wave astronomy.
| Description | Strengthening of industrially-funded contracts to gain access to QTFP (QI) and gravitational wave expertise and technology/manufacturing. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Title | Establishment of the Extreme Performance Optical Coatings testbed (EPOC) within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) |
| Description | This facility is the first to establish both state-of-the-art ion beam deposition (IBD) and novel modified IBD techniques to the UK photonics sector. It was established (and managed) through a partnership between the universities of Strathclyde, Glasgow and West of Scotland, alongside industrial partners Helia Photonics and Gooch and Housego. The facility gives an exploitation route for coating developments within the gravitational wave research groups, which otherwise could only be capitalised by overseas organisations. One of the UK's Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (QTFP) programs (Quantum-enhanced Interferometry, led by the University of Cardiff) will be the first to exploit access to these manufacturing capabilities for the establishment of interferometric testbeds for detection dark matter and observing the potential quantisation effects of space-time. The facility also played a key role in attracting a top international applicant who was awarded an Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (Dr Mariana Fazio, ST/W004844/1). |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Joint projects and consultation contracts are now underway with industry and we expect significant impacts to arise from this. Significant effort has also been invested by the University of Strathclyde and Helia Photonics Ltd to establish a complimentary manufacturing capability at Helia Photonics, to better support the adoption of the technology within the wider UK photonics sector. |
| URL | http://www.epoc.scot |
| Description | SmartSTEMs outreach event - hosted by Strathclyde and led by P. Childs and S. Reid |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Large-scale outreach event (day) hosted by Strathclyde in connection with SmartSTEMs charity. Local schools (P6-7 and some S1, ages 10-12) were invited and over 200 children, in addition to teachers, participated. Event was arrange with keynote talk from industry (IT sector) and academia (Prof Stuart Reid, Strathclyde) followed by 3 workshops (40mins each). The talk covered quantum technologies (QTFP/QI) and gravitational wave detection. One of the workshops covered stem cell research in relation to nanokicking/bone health. Follow up events will be arranged as demand was very high - schools booked within 1 day of invitations being sent out and most applications were rejected due to demand. SmartSTEMs and Strathclyde will arrange annual or bi-annual events now. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Visit of Alexandra Parade Primary School to Strathclyde - 23 May 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 23 May 2023. Visit of 40 pupils from Alexandra Parade Primary School to hear about research in the department - included all areas of quantum, gravitational wave, and bone health (nanokicking). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |