Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Oxford Instruments participates in the launch of the European Quantum Technology Flagship Programme 'QMiCS'

QMiCS aims at creating a technological basis for improving communication and sensing methods by employing dedicated micro- and nano-structured circuits, made from superconducting materials, cooled down close to absolute zero temperature to generate microwave radiation exhibiting a particular quantum mechanical property called 'entanglement'. Exploiting entangled microwaves, a prototype quantum local area network cable for distributed quantum computing and a proof of concept for quantum-enhanced radar shall be demonstrated at WMI within the next three years. Oxford Instruments' role will be to develop a cryogenic link between two ultra-low temperature fridges one provided by Oxford Instruments NanoScience and the other by the WMI to facilitate the microwave communication at very low temperatures. 'We are excited at the potential of developing the next generation of quantum technology tools in association with such leading EU researchers in a consortium led by WMI to enable new innovative applications, using the company's well established and diverse experience in superconducting and cryogen free ultra-low temperatures', said Ziad Melhem, the Strategic Business Development Manager from Oxford Instruments NanoScience.

QMiCS's long-term visions are developing distributed quantum computing and communication via microwave quantum local area networks (QLANs) and enabling sensing applications based on the illumination of an object with quantum microwaves (quantum radar). The use of microwaves frequency for key quantum computing platforms (superconducting circuits, NV centres, quantum dots), will allow for zero frequency conversion loss. They can be distributed via superconducting cables with surprisingly little losses, eventually allowing for quantum communication and cryptography applications. Dr Frank Deppe, QMiCS Project leader said, 'QMiCS offers the unique chance to bring the tremendous potential of quantum microwave technology to the attention of stakeholders in science, industry, politics, and the general public. We expect a big leap towards real-life application scenarios of quantum microwaves in the next years.'

WMI's established record of fundamental and applied research on low and ultra temperature physics and applications makes it a natural place for extending its expertise into quantum technology applications. Professor Rudolf Gross, WMI Director said, 'We are presently facing a second quantum revolution, pushing quantum technologies rapidly to the market and triggering a broad range of promising applications in quantum information technology and sensing. We are very pleased to join forces with Oxford Instruments NanoScience in this fascinating venture to make quantum microwave communication not only a reality but also a commercial success.'

Oxford Instruments NanoScience works closely with customers and partners on developing the next generation of advanced superconducting and cryogenic solutions for quantum and nanotechnology applications, Dr Michael Cuthbert Oxford Instruments NanoScience Business Development and Strategic Marketing Director said, 'This is a great project to be part of and an exciting opportunity to develop solutions that have the potential to network quantum processors running at mK temperatures together to form larger quantum device clusters. One could imagine that future quantum computers might come to rely on such interfaces to relay quantum information on and off chip with a minimal error and latency'.

The discovery of principles of quantum physics in the 1920s transformed science and unlocked whole new generations of innovative and commercial technologies, giving us many new discoveries and applications from silicon chips to fibre optic communication. Now they carry the promise of enabling among other things, the next generation of computers, communications, sensors and detectors based on quantum technologies. Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionise several aspects of our daily lives through the development of new advanced materials and by enabling new advanced instrumentation and digital applications. Microwave communications via quantum technologies will provide a leap in the field of communications, sensing and advanced computation and ultimately impact our societies and quality of life.

The European Commission (EU) has identified quantum technologies as a strategic area for investment and launched a new initiative known as the Quantum Flagship on October 29th in 2018. This initiative is already positioning itself as one of the most ambitious projects of the EU with a one billion Euro budget. It will support large-scale and long-term research and innovation projects that will have the main goal of transferring quantum physics research from the lab to the market by means of commercial applications. The initiative intends on placing Europe at the forefront of the second quantum revolution over 10 years, which is now unfolding worldwide. It aims to bring disruptive quantum technologies to the scientific arena and to society in general, by bringing forward new commercial opportunities addressing global challenges and seeding yet unimagined applications for the future. It will build a network of European Quantum Technologies programs that will foster an ecosystem capable of delivering the knowledge, technologies and open research infrastructures and testbeds necessary for the development of a world-leading knowledge-based industry in Europe.

Issued for and on behalf of Oxford Instruments NanoScience

About Oxford Instruments NanoScienceOxford Instruments NanoScience designs, supplies and supports market-leading research tools that enable quantum technologies, new materials and device development in the physical sciences. Our tools support research down to the atomic scale through creation of high performance, cryogen-free low temperature and magnetic environments, based upon our core technologies in low and ultra-low temperatures, high magnetic fields and system integration, with ever-increasing levels of experimental and measurement readiness. Oxford Instruments NanoScience is a part of the Oxford Instruments plc group.

About Oxford Instruments plc

Oxford Instruments designs, supplies and supports high-technology tools and systems with a focus on research and industrial applications. Innovation has been the driving force behind Oxford Instruments' growth and success for over 50 years, and its strategy is to effect the successful commercialisation of these ideas by bringing them to market in a timely and customer-focused fashion.

The first technology business to be spun out from Oxford University, Oxford Instruments is now a global company and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (OXIG). Its objective is to be the leading provider of new generation tools and systems for the research and industrial sectors with a focus on nanotechnology. Its key market sectors include nano-fabrication and nano-materials. The company's strategy is to expand the business into the life sciences arena, where nanotechnology and biotechnology intersect

This involves the combination of core technologies in areas such as low temperature, high magnetic field and ultra high vacuum environments; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; X-ray, electron, laser and optical based metrology; atomic force microscopy; optical imaging; advanced growth, deposition and etching.

Oxford Instruments aims to pursue responsible development and deeper understanding of our world through science and technology. Its products, expertise, and ideas address global issues such as energy, environment, security and health.

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