QuantIC, the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Enhanced Imaging, exhibited at Laser World of Photonics in Munich for the first time and showcased several industrial collaborations and innovative technologies that have not been demonstrated before.

Laser World of Photonics is the largest international trade fair for photonics components, systems and applications which is held every two years and attracts over 30,000 visitors. Held in Munich since 1973, the event combines technology with industrial application sectors for the widest variety of industry and uses. This year it ran from 26-29 June 2017 at Messe München.

Director of QuantIC, Professor Steve Beaumont said, “We’re excited to be highlighting the UK’s innovation in quantum imaging at Laser World of Photonics. It is an opportunity to highlight internationally the technological advancements our Hub has made through our industrial collaborations and to also develop new partnerships in bringing these innovative technologies to market.”

Some of the exhibitson display included the Gas Sight Camera, a low-cost imaging system that uses a single pixel to detect invisible gases, the Hidden Object Tracker, an imaging system that can see around corners or behind a wall and the “Q” Light Source which harnesses the precision of the single photon to suppress noise below the sub shot noise limit to reach the ultimate level of precision allowed by quantum mechanics. 

QuantIC is one of four UK Quantum Technology Hubs supported by a £270m investment by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) in 2014. It brings together academic researchers and industry partners to bring quantum-enhanced imaging systems to market. QuantIC is the only hub based in Scotland. It has a £4m Partnership Resource Fund to facilitate industrial collaboration and the uptake of quantum technologies which will give a competitive edge to UK industry whether through new products, enhanced functionality of existing products or lower costs.

QuantIC is led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the Universities of Strathclyde, Edinburgh, Heriot Watt, Bristol, Warwick and Oxford.

 QuantIC at Laser World of Photonics

First published: 28 June 2017

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