TMD to exhibit at the National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2017

These technologies include small, portable, rugged atomic clocks, clock test and evaluation facilities; compact frequency-stabilised laser sources; and miniature magneto-optical traps.

The UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme involves substantial government investment over the next five years. It is aimed at advancing the introduction of quantum technologies into the commercial marketplace - to greatly enhance the potential of the UK’s established and growing companies and industries and apply the practical benefits of quantum technologies to everyday lives.

TMD on show
At the National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2017, TMD will be exhibiting:
* Virtual link to the FEMTO-AAD evaluation rig – a live demonstration of the FEMTO-AAD facility.
* Rubidium/Caesium filled hollow core fibre – key component for the quantum fibre clock (FEMTO-2ND / QFC).
* Rubidium filled miniature cells – key component for the frequency stabilised laser packages, which themselves form a key component of many systems (FLAME).
* Miniature non-metallic magneto optical traps – key component for cold atom experimentation and sensor development (gMOT/ColdCell).

TMD’s Quantum Team, from left to right: Howard Smith, Technical Director; Richard Patrick, Business Development Manager; Jamie Forrest, Programme Manager; Paul Osborn, DSTL Consultant, & Edward Boughton, Development Engineer. Below, a sample of a coiled rubidium filled hollow core fibre and miniature magneto-optical trap.

TMD and its academic and industry partners – a formidable combination in quantum technology
TMD is currently partnering with Kelvin Nanotechnology, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow to develop small, self-contained magneto optical traps (ColdCell and gMOT). The company is also working with Optocap and Fraunhofer UK on small frequency stabilised laser systems (FLAME).

Commented TMD’s Business Development Manager, Richard Patrick: “We are proud to be part of the quantum technology community and contributing towards the UK’s world leading position in the emerging multi-billion-pound quantum technology market. Working with Chronos Technolgy and the University of Bath, we are currently building novel solutions for compact, portable atomic clocks, which far exceed the performance of existing portable models. These clocks could be used as either stand-alone timing solutions or as hold-over clocks in the event of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) denial.”

Continued Dr Edward Boughton, Development Engineer at TMD: “The quantum technology programme also impinges on the defence world by being able to provide sensors and detectors with unique and un-maskable capabilities. These have the potential to invalidate some existing technologies and thus substantially alter the strategic playing field. To this end TMD is a member of two consortia developing component technologies for the quantum sensing market.”