Our Research
Engineering the Future at the Atomic Scale
There is a critical need to deliver advanced electronic, optical, magnetic and spintronic technologies which offer a step-change in performance in terms of both functionality and efficiency. Doing so would impact all aspects of modern life, from communication to healthcare and beyond.
To date, the almost universal approach has been to scale down the size of devices to increase functional density (Moore's law). As we approach the nanoscale, quantum effects emerge and, more critically, the heat generated due to the inefficiency of devices fundamentally compromises current device performance. To address this, and to utilise the presence of quantum effects as an advantage, we need to develop new technologies which will require new materials with highly tuned and controllable properties.
The research in the NAME Programme Grant is taking major steps in addressing the following materials challenges to help this.
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We are developing the world's most advanced materials for quantum computing applications. Our breakthrough in creating highly 28Si enriched silicon - achieving residual 29Si concentration down to 2.3 ± 0.7 ppm - represents a critical advancement in qubit coherence times. This ultra-pure silicon forms the fundamental building block for scalable quantum computers.
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We are pioneering room-temperature MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) devices that operate without magnetic fields. Our "maser-in-a-shoebox" achievement demonstrates a portable, plug-and-play device that fits within a shoebox-sized form factor while delivering -5 dBm peak power output.
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We are exploring topological insulator materials like Bi₂Se₃ for their unique quantum properties. Through advanced deposition techniques and careful engineering of heterostructures, we are developing materials with topologically protected surface states for next-generation quantum devices.
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We are advancing terahertz frequency technologies and hot electron harvesting at planar metal-semiconductor interfaces. Our work includes developing THz quantum cascade lasers that enable wireless communication systems with two orders-of-magnitude increases in data rates.
