Quantum Technology
Quantum Technology is a term to describe electronic materials and devices, where effects caused by the quantum nature of matter become significant in their design and performance.
Collaborative research and consultancy
The Physics Department has a working community of 40 researchers and 75 students. It contains the new Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre, built to develop quantum technologies to revolutionise electronics, medicine, energy and computing in the next 20 years. We have strong regional partnerships, particularly with Manchester University through the North West Nanoscience Doctoral Training Centre, and strong international partnerships, for example through the The Cockcroft Institute, an international centre for Accelerator Science and Technology which Lancaster University co-founded.
Our research is ranked top in the UK for Research Quality (The Times Good University Guide 2011).
Research is organised around the following 7 topics:
- Semiconductor Physics & Nanostructures
- Low Temperature Physics (Ultra-Low-Temperature Physics, Superfluid 4He)
- Theoretical Physics (Condensed Matter Theory, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, Mathematical Physics)
- Accelerator Physics
- Space Science (Space Plasma Environment, Radio Science)
- Nonlinear Biomedical Physics
- Particle Physics ( ATLAS, DZERO andT2K Experiments)
For an overview for each topic see our research pages.
Examples of collaborative research and development partnerships with businesses
- Photodiodes for imaging / communications / gas monitoring, SELEX Galileo Inc & NPL Management Limited
- Liquid Phase Epitaxial Growth of Dilute Nitrides for the Mid-infrared, Kidde International
- Non-Destructive Nanoscale Resolution using a Carbon Nanotube Scanning Thermal Probe , Anasys Instruments and Veeco Instruments
- Graphene Research for Innovation through Materials Science / Chemistry / Engineering, Graphene Industries Ltd, Pilkington Glass Ltd and Technical Services Consultants Ltd
- Quasiparticle imaging and superfluid flow experiments at ultralow temperatures, Statek Corporation
- New Electronics Concept: Wafer-Scale Epitaxial Graphene, NPL Management Limited
- Accelerated discovery of new organic semiconductors, with SAFC Hitech, a subsidiary of Sigma Aldrich
Student Placements
We evaluate the needs of each business and match these to the appropriate student resource across Science and Technology.
Collaborative or CASE Studentships
The Physics Department currently has two CASE studentships in progress.
CASE stands for Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering and offer one way for businesses to develop a long term partnership with Science and Technology at Lancaster through a heavily subsided long term R&D project.
Awarded by the UK Research Council, CASE Studentships provide funding for the most able students to undertake three years of study for a PhD degree, five years for part time awards and work on a project jointly designed and supervised by a University department and a company, who can be from the public, private or voluntary sectors, ranging from multinationals, SMEs, local authorities and registered charities.
The student will be specially selected in collaboration with the company and will spend at least 3 months during the period of the award at the company’s premises. The company partner is required to contribute a minimum of a third of the Research Councils contribution.
For more information on CASE Studentships see the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Product Development and IPR
Quantum technology has huge potential to develop new and more efficient products and novel techniques and applications for complex solutions.
We have the benefit of being able to tap into the University’s experienced IPR experts to ensure that for every partnership we enter into, any IPR issues are addressed and agreed amongst all parties involved.
For more information on the future application of quantum technologies, see www.physics.lancs.ac.uk/qtc/future-applications-of-quantum-technology
Schools Outreach Programme
We are keen to develop partnerships with schools by working alongside teachers to inspire and enthuse school students to improve their exam performance and consider continuing to study Physics to a higher level. Our School Outreach Officer organizes a range of bespoke activities for Y12 and 13 both on-campus and in schools.
For more information see www.physics.lancs.ac.uk/schools
Contact
Mark Visontai
Business Development Manager
+44 (0)1524 593 276
www.physics.lancs.ac.uk
My role is to support large corporations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who want to develop novel technologies, products and services by facilitating partnerships with the relevant experts from the Department of Physics.
The other part of my role is to spot potential opportunities for commercialisation, find practical applications for the latest research in Physics and identify businesses to help develop and apply our research in key areas such as advanced information processing, sustainable healthcare, developing a greener future and a secure society.
Currently we have strong collaborations with major international manufacturing and ICT corporations such as IBM, Alcatel, Pilkington Glass, Varta, Fiat and a range of medium sized research intensive companies within the UK and across Europe.
Quantum Technologies have huge potential in almost every industry sector and I am keen to develop more partnerships with businesses. Please contact me for more information.