UK nanotechnology specialist NextGen Nano has launched its new quantum division, aiming to develop materials for quantum applications that function under practical conditions. The division, led by scientists at North Carolina State University (NCSU), will guide the design of novel materials for emerging quantum technologies, like quantum computers and communication devices.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the quantum computing market is projected to grow from $486 million in 2021 to $3.18 billion in 2028. This growth is expected as the demand for devices that can manipulate electrical currents and optical fields to store energy, process information and communicate and transfer data increases.
With this demand comes the challenge of processing larger amounts of data over longer distances. NextGen Nano’s new quantum division will facilitate research in this area, investigating the quantum properties of certain solid materials that can function under practical conditions.
Professor Kenan Gundogdu, division lead and quantum physics expert, said: “Designing devices that use material properties, described in the rules of quantum physics, is the future of our technology. However, currently, some macroscopic quantum states, like superfluorescence and superradiance, require cryogenic temperatures around -260 degrees Celsius to be observed. Because of this, adopting quantum technology is hindered by the challenge of developing quantum materials functioning at practically relevant temperatures.
“Recently, we discovered that some materials exhibit macroscopic quantum properties at unusually high temperatures. For example, a lead-halide perovskite showed superfluorescence at room temperature. Research also found that some solid materials have a quantum analogue of vibration isolation (QAVI) mechanism that protects the quantum states from temperature-induced effects and ambient noise.”
Matthew Stone, chairman of NextGen Nano, said: “Thanks to the team’s recent breakthrough, it might soon be possible to tailor materials to observe macroscopic quantum states at the highest possible temperatures. This new division will build on previous research success and is an opportunity for NextGen Nano to explore a new scientific space and exciting commercial markets.”
NextGen Nano is also known for its patented organic semi-transparent solar cells, PolyPower® and innovative Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology.
Find out more here https://nextgen-nano.com/technology/.
Source: Instrumentation Monthly
