Home > Press > Scientists develop device for portable, ultra-precise clocks and quantum sensors
![]() |
The attached image shows a microfabricated grating generating four new beams from a single incoming beam of light.
Credit: National Physical Laboratory |
Abstract:
In a joint project between the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow, Imperial College London and the National Physical Laboratory, researchers have developed a portable way to produce ultracold atoms for quantum technology and quantum information processing.
Their research has been published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, where it is featured on the front cover.
Many of the most accurate measurement devices, including atomic clocks, work by observing how atoms transfer between individual quantum states. The highest precision is obtained with long observation times, often using slow-moving ultracold atoms prepared in a large apparatus.
Dr Aidan Arnold, a Lecturer in Strathclyde's Department of Physics, said: "The longer the transition of atoms can be observed, the more precisely they can be measured. It is possible to shine laser light on atoms to slow them down using the Doppler effect. We can now do this in a really small device."
The researchers have developed technology which is far more compact than previous setups but can still cool and trap large numbers of atoms for use in portable devices. They pattern the surface of a semiconductor chip to form a diffraction grating, splitting a laser into many beams that cool the atoms.
Professor Ed Hinds, who directs the Centre for Cold Matter at Imperial College London, said: "These specially micro-fabricated diffraction gratings create the perfect laser beams for trapping and cooling atoms."
Portable clocks, magnetometers and accelerometers have wide-ranging applications, including navigation on earth and in space, telecomunications, geological exploration, and medical imaging.
Dr Alastair Sinclair, Principal Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory, said: "The miniaturisation of atomic sensors using these optical gratings can make an important contribution to metrology and high-precision measurement."
Professor Charlie Ironside of the School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow said: "The specialized optical diffraction gratings were co-designed by the groups in the collaboration and some of them were microfabricated in the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre at the University of Glasgow - the work is a good example of how a team of physicists and engineers can collaborate to produce cutting edge technology."
The project was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, ESA, the EU AQUTE project, the Wellcome Trust, the UK National Measurement Office, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Societ
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Media and Corporate Communications
44-014-154-82370
Copyright © University of Strathclyde
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Related Links |
The full research paper can be seen at:
Related News Press |
News and information
Single quantum bit achieves complex systems modeling June 9th, 2023
Quantum materials: Electron spin measured for the first time June 9th, 2023
Liquid metal sticks to surfaces without a binding agent June 9th, 2023
Graphene-based Carbocatalysts: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications—Beyond Boundaries June 9th, 2023
Imaging
Nanobiotechnology: How Nanomaterials Can Solve Biological and Medical Problems April 14th, 2023
Novel microscope developed to design better high-performance batteries: Innovation gives researchers inside view of how batteries work February 10th, 2023
Wafer-scale 2D MoTe₂ layers enable highly-sensitive broadband integrated infrared detector January 6th, 2023
Govt.-Legislation/Regulation/Funding/Policy
Breaking through the limits of stretchable semiconductors with molecular brakes that harness light June 9th, 2023
Researchers at Purdue discover superconductive images are actually 3D and disorder-driven fractals May 12th, 2023
Chip Technology
USTC enhances fluorescence brightness of single silicon carbide spin color centers June 9th, 2023
Researchers discover materials exhibiting huge magnetoresistance June 9th, 2023
Breaking through the limits of stretchable semiconductors with molecular brakes that harness light June 9th, 2023
Laser direct writing of Ga2O3/liquid metal-based flexible humidity sensors May 12th, 2023
Quantum Computing
Quantum materials: Electron spin measured for the first time June 9th, 2023
IOP Publishing celebrates World Quantum Day with the announcement of a special quantum collection and the winners of two prestigious quantum awards April 14th, 2023
New experiment translates quantum information between technologies in an important step for the quantum internet March 24th, 2023
Sensors
Researchers discover materials exhibiting huge magnetoresistance June 9th, 2023
Laser direct writing of Ga2O3/liquid metal-based flexible humidity sensors May 12th, 2023
New family of wheel-like metallic clusters exhibit unique properties April 14th, 2023
Nanobiotechnology: How Nanomaterials Can Solve Biological and Medical Problems April 14th, 2023
Discoveries
When all details matter -- Heat transport in energy materials June 9th, 2023
Advances in nanotechnology application in biosafety materials A crucial response to COVID-19 pandemic June 9th, 2023
Researchers discover materials exhibiting huge magnetoresistance June 9th, 2023
Announcements
Liquid metal sticks to surfaces without a binding agent June 9th, 2023
Graphene-based Carbocatalysts: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications—Beyond Boundaries June 9th, 2023
When all details matter -- Heat transport in energy materials June 9th, 2023
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
USTC enhances fluorescence brightness of single silicon carbide spin color centers June 9th, 2023
Single quantum bit achieves complex systems modeling June 9th, 2023
Advances in nanotechnology application in biosafety materials A crucial response to COVID-19 pandemic June 9th, 2023
Researchers discover materials exhibiting huge magnetoresistance June 9th, 2023
Tools
Understanding the mechanism of non-uniform formation of diamond film on tools: Paving the way to a dry process with less environmental impact March 24th, 2023
Novel microscope developed to design better high-performance batteries: Innovation gives researchers inside view of how batteries work February 10th, 2023
Shrinking hydrogels enlarge nanofabrication options: Researchers from Pittsburgh and Hong Kong print intricate, 2D and 3D patterns December 29th, 2022
Aerospace/Space
Manufacturing advances bring material back in vogue January 20th, 2023
The National Space Society Congratulates NASA on the Success of Artemis I Same-day Launch of the Hakuto-R Lunar Landing Mission will Help Support Future Lunar Crews December 12th, 2022
Surface microstructures of lunar soil returned by Chang’e-5 mission reveal an intermediate stage in space weathering process September 30th, 2022
Quantum nanoscience
USTC enhances fluorescence brightness of single silicon carbide spin color centers June 9th, 2023
Quantum materials: Electron spin measured for the first time June 9th, 2023
IOP Publishing celebrates World Quantum Day with the announcement of a special quantum collection and the winners of two prestigious quantum awards April 14th, 2023
Diamond cut precision: University of Illinois to develop diamond sensors for neutron experiment and quantum information science April 14th, 2023
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
![]() |
![]() |
||
Premium Products | ||
![]() |
||
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
![]() |
||
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
![]() |