The National Quantum Strategy expects quantum technologies to bring enormous benefits to the UK economy, society and the environment, with opportunities in quantum computing, sensing, imaging and timing systems, and communication. The strategy is supported by significant funding targeted at supporting the science base and businesses, driving adoption and creating a suitable regulatory framework.
Quantum technologies will only break through to real-world use and achieve commercial impact if quantum devices become scalable, affordable, and robust. Quantum device manufacturing must also adapt to mature scalable fabrication, integration and engineering methods. If these challenges can be overcome, quantum devices have the potential to disrupt and outperform exisiting technologies for a range of applications.
Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) collaborates extensively with researchers in the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), Physics and Maths. Fabrication facilities within the cleanroom complex are state of the art. Topics we are targeting include mass production of quantum devices, quantum engineering and quantum communications. Quantum topics are taught in the Part 4 Master’s modules including quantum devices and technology.
The growing understanding of quantum mechanics at the nanoscale has paved the way for the intentional design and engineering of materials to exhibit specific quantum properties. My research focuses on quantum materials, including 2D, 1D, and 0D materials, and their applications in optoelectronics and electronics. I have contributed as an author and co-author to numerous conference presentations, patents, and published in high-impact international scientific journals such as ACS Nano, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Advanced Electronic Materials, IOP 2D Materials, and Nature Scientific.
The findings have not only contributed to publications but have also sparked interest from industries seeking to incorporate quantum nanomaterials into practical applications like Quantum ID security device. A particularly fascinating discovery in collaboration with my industry partner, Quantum Base, revolves around harnessing inherent randomness and the unique optical properties of quantum nanomaterials. Quantum ID code, extracted from these materials, achieves an extraordinary level of security, given its 100% unique identity or ‘quantum fingerprint,’ making it impossible to clone. This distinctive identity can be easily read using a standard smartphone. Our recent discovery has been validated by two patents.
Colloidal quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique quantum properties. These dots exhibit quantum confinement effects, where their electronic and optical properties are strongly influenced by their size. As the size decreases, the bandgap increases, leading to changes in absorption and emission wavelengths. This tunability makes colloidal quantum dots versatile for various applications, including optoelectronics, quantum ID, solar cells, and displays