Quantum information and sensing technologies

Quantum information technology covers a broad area of physics, taking advantage of phenomena such as quantum superposition, in which particles can be in different states at the same time, and quantum entanglement, where particles can be connected without any direct physical interaction.

Through our research, we're developing new technologies, including applications for high-precision measurements, exponential computational speed-up, and secure communication.

Quantum computers will help us solve complex problems much faster than supercomputers of today – or the future – with impacts for our security and make possible advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence. 

Quantum sensors exploit quantum interference and/or entanglement, to achieve a higher sensitivity and resolution for biomedical, environmental, imaging and navigation applications. They can also be used to better test the fundamental laws of physics.

The development of quantum technologies will boost the quantum industry, and enhance the health and wellbeing of our society. It will also improve the security of government institutions, and the sustainability of our environment.

Our research is regularly published in international journals, such as Nature Journals, Physical Review Letters, New Journal of Physics, Physical Review A, Quantum Information Processing, and Optics Express.

Methods and facilities

Our work aims at the theoretical study of novel schemes for quantum technologies – and their experimental realisation toward the development of a quantum industry.

Along with a supercomputer facility in the ICG, facilities include a quantum optics lab including lasers, nonlinear crystals, optics and photon detectors, and a time-resolved photoluminescence system.

Collaborations and funders

Quantum information and sensing is one of the key areas of expertise at the Quantum Science and Technology Hub and benefit of the large network of international collaborations with leading institutions across four continents and of funding from both government and industry within the hub.

Recent projects have received funding from the United States Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the United States Army Research Lab (ARL). We have also collaborated with leading research institutions across 4 continents, including:

• Professor Mohammad Hafezi, University of Maryland College Park, U.S
• Professor Kurt Jacobs, U.S. Army Research Laboratory
• Professor Michał Karpiński, University of Warsaw, Poland
• Professor. Y.H. Kim, Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea
• Professor Frank Narducci, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, U.S
• Professor J.W. Pan, University of Science and Technology of China
• - Professor Ernst Rasel, Leibniz University Hannover Germany.
• - Professor Wolfgang P. Schleich, University of Ulm, Germany
• Professor Shih, University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Professor A. White, University of Queensland, Australia

Discover our areas of expertise

Quantum information and sensing technologies is one of 3 areas of expertise within our Physics research. Explore the others below.

Interested in a PhD in Physics?

Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Physics postgraduate research degrees page.