Oxford Instruments and Lancaster University have secured funding from the UK Government to develop new ultra low temperature systems for quantum sensors.
The government launched the £270m UK National Quantum Technologies Programme in its 2013 autumn statement, identifying quantum technologies as a strategic area for investment.
The government’s agency Innovate UK awarded a grant for the Cryogen free Ultra Low Temperature Environments for Quantum Sensors (CUEQS) project, under which the concept designs will be developed for improved and practical quantum sensors.
The portable ultra low temperature systems will serve as a foundation for apps like higher resolution magnetic sensors that can be applied from environmental sensing to medical imaging.
Lancaster University Quantum Technology Centre director Yuri Pashkin said: "This collaborative project will aid our understanding of innovative technologies, create essential new tools and components, and heralds a revolutionary era, as devices that harness the power of quantum mechanics have the potential to radically transform our lives."
Innovate UK chief scientific adviser and deputy director of research Paul Mason said: "Quantum technology has the potential to become a major global industry, vital to the UK economy.
"By working together – universities, companies, Innovate UK, research councils and others – we will help to deliver a new breed of commercial devices that harness the awesome power of quantum physics, with significant and far-reaching impact to UK business and ultimately, the general public."
