R&D PROJECTS

Cold atom-based quantum sensors and clocks will revolutionise many applications such as Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) technologies by increasing the resilience against attacks/outages and improving Space Situational Awareness (SSA) -- critical to protecting and future-proofing national security, financial and technological infrastructure and capabilities. Commercial uptake, market penetration and commercialisation of next-generation quantum systems is currently limited by the lack of robust, reliable and low size, weight and power consumption (SWaP) lasers and laser systems that lie at the heart of quantum technologies. TALENT brings together a consortium of UK companies to develop innovative robust, reliable and low-SWaP lasers to enable the deployment of quantum technologies in harsh and dynamic environments - opening new markets and opportunities. TALENT will produce lasers with an unprecedented combination of performance, reliability, SWaP and ease of integration to break the barriers to commercialisation of next-generation PNT. The consortium's expertise in laser development, miniaturisation and precision alignment will ensure reliability and SWaP are improved to market-readiness. New, substantial commercial opportunities have been identified that require reliable and robust operation in quantum sensing and clocks for next-generation quantum-enhanced PNT and SSA technologies.

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Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuits (QPICs), similarly to their classical counterparts Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), are a technology that takes advantage of the decades of development in semiconductor processing for the integrated electronics to create chip-based circuits for light that can be cost-effectively mass produced. QPICs are at the centre of most of the photonic approaches to quantum computing such as those being taken by PsiQuantum, Xanadu and QuiX, but are also vital for the scalability of light-dependent quantum technologies trapped ion/diamond-impurity-based quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum random number generation.

Unlike their classical counterparts, QPICs often need extremely low loss and to perform in extreme environments such as at low temperature or in space, which results in difficulties in packaging these devices. At present, QPIC packaging is done on a bespoke, case-by-case basis, meaning that is slow and costly, creating a barrier to the development of QPIC-based products.

Led by Wave Photonics, the consortium comprised of Alter Technology, SENKO Advanced Components, Southampton University and Bristol University will develop a template, design guide and packaging process to allow for rapid and cost-effective packaging of QPICs. Quantum Dice will act as a representative end user

Quantum Computers have the potential to offer a huge range of benefits. By increasing processing power exponentially, they will unlock new, exciting capabilities and improve our current capacity considerably. This does however put at risk technologies which have long relied on computational expense for their function. An example of this is encryption, which keeps data secure via the use of asymmetrical mathematical problems which are beyond the capability of most classical computers. These problems will, however, be easily solvable by quantum computers, creating a problem referred to as the "Quantum Apocalypse".

There are currently two front-runner technologies to keep data secure in a post-quantum world. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) aims to provide mathematical challenges which a quantum computer will not be able to solve, as a new iteration of current methodologies. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a novel method for distributing keys which enables robust symmetrical encryption techniques, with the key transfer mechanism being protected by fundamental laws of physics, as opposed to mathematical complexity. Both are receiving significant focus and investment, with the most likely outcome being hybrid solutions incorporating the benefit of each.

To support the roll out of these new technologies, space has emerged as a critical component in networks for quantum security. Satellites offer the ability to distribute information globally, and also allow for free-space optical transfer, which isn't limited by distance in the same way as terrestrial fibre networks. The Chinese Micius satellite demonstrated a number of fundamental technologies in 2016, which has led to a race to match this achievement in other countries. As such a number of satellite missions orientated towards quantum security are in development, predominantly focusing on cost effective small- or nanosatellites.

Within this landscape a consortium featuring Craft Prospect, Alter Technologies and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics has formed to develop the next generation of products for space-based quantum security. NextSTEPS will look to build a benchtop demonstrator of an entangled photon source. The benefits of this type of unit are increased security and future relevance, due to the need for the creation of networks of quantum computers. The work will also consider the requirements of the unit for use in space, and in particular for low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) satellite platforms such as nanosatellites. Through the project the team will create enabling technologies for future quantum computing networks while also defining near-term entangled-source QKD products

Cold atom-based quantum technologies have great potential because of the versatility of this platform. Cold atoms can be used in a variety of high-performance sensors, including optical clocks, inertial sensors, gravimeters, and magnetometers just to name a few. They rely on stable lasers with stringent requirements on their optical frequency. Recently, these quantum sensors began to be used in the harsh and dynamic environment of space, where inherent stability, reliability, size, weight and low power consumption are critical in determining the success of a mission, even more so than in terrestrial applications. In the PASTEL project we propose to develop and test a completely novel laser architecture that will improve on all the critical performance parameters indicated above over any competing laser technology. This new laser will be passively stabilised to an atomic reference within the laser itself. Our innovative approach eliminates the need for external frequency references and active feedback electronics. This development reduces the size and weight of both the laser module and associated electronics and lowers power consumption, while also improving stability and reliability since the laser cannot lose lock to a reference. We will exploit mature, power-efficient 780 nm diode laser technology, industry-leading miniaturisation and packaging capability, and compact, stable bespoke electronics. We will deliver a fully tested demonstrator laser unit.

ASSIST aims to establish a sovereign supply chain to empower the UK with a capability for higher voltage Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices at voltage and current ratings that are significantly differentiated from devices currently available on the market. The project will establish manufacturing readiness across three levels of the supply chain to create end to end capability that covers wafer fabrication, device packaging and power electronic converter manufacture.

Building on the success of a previous DER project SiC-MAP, Clas-SiC will refine a Process Design Kit to establish capability for 3300V SiC MOSFET manufacture. Alter UK will augment their established plastic encapsulation process capability to establish a packaging process for the SiC devices that delivers low to medium level device volumes at costs synonymous with high volume offshore assembly. Both processes will enable capability across the wider UK PEMD community.

Wide Band Gap devices, such as SiC MOSFET, enable realisation of high performance power electronic converters. As the UK looks to address the challenge of meeting the increase of electricity demand that will take place with the widespread adoption of Heat Pumps and Electric Vehicles, power electronics will play a central role to delivering solutions that provide the necessary flexibility for the electricity distribution network to meet that need.

The realisation of high voltage, high current SiC MOSFETs through ASSIST will transform the proposition for Solid State Transformer (SST) to realise a cost effective and highly efficient compact solution to that unlocks this significant opportunity. Turbo Power Systems will productionise an SST module using 3300V devices that greatly simplifies the already established proposition usings available 1200V devices.

The eligible project costs are £1,618,824 across four partners - Clas-SiC Wafer fab, Alter Technology UK, Turbo Power Systems and the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, for which £1,093,472 funding contributions is sought.

Quantum Technologies are set to transform the technology landscape and change the way we fundamentally navigate, compute, communicate and secure vast quantities of data that is the backbone of modern society. However, due to their complexity and lack of robustness, the technologies at the heart of this potential revolution are currently, largely shackled to sophisticated laboratories.

The BlueFLAME project will build on previous highly successful work from this consortium and will develop a reliable commercial solution for the cooling of calcium ions, a key technological milestone in next generation, out-of-the-lab quantum systems. This will be achieved by addressing the challenges associated with the handling, packaging, and reliability of novel GaN semiconductor materials. This demonstration represents a key step in meeting the demands of important systems covering the whole GaN-enabled spectrum (365-550nm) which in turn will unlock further atomic transitions and utile atom and ion-based systems. Only through palm-sized and more compact laser systems, will the true potential of quantum technologies be commercially realised.

Space-grade, low power consumption optical transceiver.

TRANSFORM is a radiation-hardened optical transceiver (OTRx) with 4 Tx channels and 4 Rx channels performing at 28 Gbps NRZ. This light and compact device is fabricated using a flip-chip process for robustness and efficiency.

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Platipas - Passive Platform Development for Visible Wavelengths.

This is a feasibility project concerned with developing the next generation GaN laser sources for quantum applications. The GaN laser devices will be co-packaged with passive waveguide structures to provide single frequency operation or other functionality such as wavelength referencing ands locking. The consortium consists of Kelvin Nanotechnology, TGQT, Alter, University of Glasgow and Fraunhofer-CAP.

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QT Assemble: Integrated Quantum Technology Programme.

QT Assemble brings together a consortium of UK companies to develop highly-innovative assembly and integration processes for new markets in quantum technologies. Waveguide writing, nanoscale alignment and monolithic integration will be used to deliver new levels of performance in robust and reliable platforms. High-performance components and systems will be demonstrated including highly-integrated lases, photon sources, photon detectors and ultra-cold matter systems. New commercial opportunities have been identified that require reliable and robust operation in quantum sensing and quantum information processing markets.

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Cold atom based quantum technologies have great potential because of the versatility of this platform. Cold atoms can be used in optical clocks, inertial sensors, gravimeters, and magnetometers just to name a few. They rely on stable and agile lasers with stringent requirements on their optical frequency. Current commercially available lasers are bulky, expensive and struggle to meet these requirements without significant development effort from the user. This limits many quantum technologies to the laboratory.

To address these challenges, the Dual-FISH project will develop a versatile, compact and easy-to-use laser solution for cold atom systems, particularly commercial atom clocks. In this project the consortium will produce a single device that provides both optical frequencies (the so-called "cooling" and "repump") required for the operation of cold atom traps in a single optical fibre. We will exploit mature, efficient 780 nm diode laser technology and combine advanced spectroscopy and offset locking schemes with mature packaging capability and compact, powerful bespoke electronics. This innovative approach will allow us to produce a complete laser system that is small (approximately 120x80x50 mm) and ready to use by system integrators intending to commercialise quantum technologies based on cold atom technology, while providing agile laser light without any need for third-party stabilisation hardware.

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The project will develop novel UK designed and manufactured compact Rb-oscillators to serve as holdover clocks in GNSS-independent applications requiring precision timing. The state-of-the-art compact atomic clocks arising from this project shall take advantage of recent advances in Quantum Technologies to find widespread application in new and revamped UK critical national infrastructure applications requiring precision timing.

At present, many of these applications rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for a stable clock signal, but these signals are easily disrupted and prolonged GNSS unavailability can lead to vast disruption to critical UK services and economy (the estimated cost of a five-day outage is £5.2Bn). New options for a UK satellite navigation and timing capability programme are presently being explored to support the nation's critical infrastructure, and these are anticipated to require a vast number of holdover clocks for added resilience. For many existing and emerging applications, including 5G, the current atomic clocks on the market, which are all non-UK based and under export control, are either too bulky and expensive, or the holdover performance is not good enough, leading to solutions involving GNSS signals. Many of these clocks are also based on technologies that are decades old.

The clocks produced in this project will bring a new generation of atomic clocks using new enhanced atom-interrogation methods developed at HCD Research and the National Physical Laboratory to provide extended holdover capabilities. These clocks will also address timing challenges in many civil and military applications, providing more assurance in supply to the UK, better security through better use of technology, and safeguarding and exploiting UK-developed intellectual property to provide economic gains for the UK.

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High-BIAS2: High-Bandwidth Inertial Atom Source & Sensor.

Navigation using space-based satellite signals underlies many critical technologies across the UK. Most advanced navigation technologies rely on the signals from networks known as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to remain accurate over long distances. Loss of these signals result in an unstable navigation systems and increasingly less accurate location and direction estimation during operation.

GNSS signals may be lost accidentally from criminal activity or due to military action. For example, in 2018 several passenger flights off the Norwegian coast lost GNSS signals due to signal 'jamming' from military exercises. In addition, 'Spoofing' or deliberately transmitting false guidance signals has been demonstrated as an insidious cyberweapon that can deliberately mislead and fool cargo or passenger vessels. As systems are increasingly automated, the consequences of the loss of GNSS signals dramatically increase and may include loss of property, or in the extreme case, loss of life. Local on-board instruments can provide measurements to stabilise current navigation system technology without GNSS signals. Quantum technology-based sensors have the potential to provide stability to navigation systems over long periods of time due to the unique combination of high sensitivity to motion with superb isolation from changes in the surrounding environment. High-BIAS2 will demonstrate the ability of a quantum rotation sensor's ability to stabilise the orientation of aircraft guidance system in the absence of GNSS signals. Local stabilisation using quantum technology will decrease the reliance of navigation systems on GNSS and provides a measure of protection against signal loss, jamming, and spoofing to increase safety and security.

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