Quantum Technologies at Ultra-Low Temperatures

Creating, controlling and exploiting the ultra-low temperature environment has proven crucial for the research and development of quantum-enhanced devices. This platform technology provides the extreme cold and isolation necessary to probe the subtle quantum behaviours that are otherwise drowned out by thermal agitation or external disturbance.

Making devices and materials smaller and colder extends the scattering lengths of electrons, improves coherence and opens up new physics and innovative technology. Quantum-enhanced sensors will provide significant improvements in the detection of small magnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation, acceleration, gravity, and other physical and metrological properties. A large proportion of these sensors require ultra-low temperatures for their quantum nature to become apparent, particularly those employing solid-state quantum phenomena, such as superconducting junctions, semiconductor nanostructures and novel 2D materials.

Lancaster has a worldwide reputation for providing these low-temperature environments with advanced cryogenic engineering and has accompanying expertise in ultra-sensitive measurement techniques and the development of specialised instrumentation. Record-breaking milli- and microkelvin refrigerators are designed and constructed in-house, building on sophisticated technology developed and refined over many years.

We collaborate with leading researchers throughout Europe, the USA and Japan, and our facilities are a key infrastructure and access site for the European Microkelvin Platform consisting of the 13 leading academic institutions and 7 industrial partners across the EU. We have our own spin-out Lancaster Cryogenics Ltd and work closely with companies such as Oxford Instruments, BlueFors Cryogenics and Aivon Oy.