PAINTS: Commercialisation of a Practical Atom Interferometer for Sensing

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Other oil and gas)
Not Energy Related

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
M Squared Lasers Limited

Collaborative Research & Development

Innovate UK

01 June 2015

30 November 2016

18 months

£230,309

Scotland

Competition Call: 1409_CRD1_DEVL_QUAN - Exploring the commercial applications of quantum technologies CR&D. Activity Exploring the commercial applications of quantum technologies (CR&D)

Project Contact, M Squared Lasers Limited

Project Contact, University of Birmingham

In an atom interferometer, the atoms act as miniature test masses and are sensitive to gravity and motion. This is a quantum technology as it relies on the interference of the atoms with each other, a manifestation of wave-particle duality, i.e. the fact that matter can behave like a wave under certain circumstances; it is the quantum nature of the technique that affords it great sensitivity. This project will, for the first time, demonstrate an atom interferometer in a UK commercial environment. The expertise of M Squared Lasers in laser engineering and system integration will be combined with the academic excellence of the University of Birmingham to create a collaborative team capable of delivering the proposed commercial product. Gravitational sensors enable one to see through matter and below the ground. Applications can be envisaged in many sectors, from the detection of new oil and gas deposits, surveying unknown underground infrastructure such as pipes and cables, to monitoring the water table.In an atom interferometer, the atoms act as miniature test masses and are sensitive to gravity and motion. This is a quantum technology as it relies on the interference of the atoms with each other, a manifestation of wave-particle duality, i.e. the fact that matter can behave like a wave under certain circumstances; it is the quantum nature of the technique that affords it great sensitivity. This project will, for the first time, demonstrate an atom interferometer in a UK commercial environment. The expertise of M Squared Lasers in laser engineering and system integration will be combined with the academic excellence of the University of Birmingham to create a collaborative team capable of delivering the proposed commercial product. Gravitational sensors enable one to see through matter and below the ground. Applications can be envisaged in many sectors, from the detection of new oil and gas deposits, surveying unknown underground infrastructure such as pipes and cables, to monitoring the water table.

09/10/15