Quantum technologies use quantum physics to gain performance which is otherwise unattainable. The
quantum world challenges our preconceptions, here objects can exist in two places at once. This world typically
occurs on the atomic level at low temperatures which has meant that quantum technologies are difficult to
realise. Research shows that the quantum state of electrons trapped in an atom sized defect in diamond can be
manipulated by shining light on the diamond and read by measuring emitted light, even at room temperature.
These ‘quantum defects‘ can be used for a range of applications such as nanoscale magnetic field measurement
which may revolutionise biomedicine, or to build a quantum computer which is able solve problems no current
computer can. Realisation of these technologies requires quantum defects very close to the surface in
structured surfaces. This project aims produce quantum ready diamond materials, with these quantum defects
retaining their exceptional properties within a few nanometres of the surface, for the manufacture of devices
structured on the nanoscale to optimise collection of the light carrying the quantum information.
Quantum technologies take advantage of the strange world of quantum mechanics where, for example, objects can exist in two places at once. This world typically occurs on the atomic level at low temperatures which has meant that technologies that exploit these properties have been challenging to manufacture. Recent work has demonstrated that the quantum mechanical properties of impurities that have been added to a synthetic diamond can be controlled simply by shining light on the diamond and measuring light that is emitted, even at room temperature. These ‘quantum defects ‘ have the potential to be used for a range of applications such as measuring the magnetic fields on the nanoscale, which may revolutionise biology, or forming a quantum computer which has the potential to solve problems no current computer can. Critical to the development of these technologies is to have the impurities close to the surface of the diamond but retaining their unique quantum properties. This projects objective is develop a low damage diamond polishing technique which is compatible with these quantum defects retaining their properties within 50 nm of the surface.
Metals related manufacturing represents about 10% of all UK production activity and machining Metals related manufacturing represents about 10% of all UK production activity and machining remains the most important manufacturing process. According to the Manufacturing Technologies Association, in 2012 the UK machine tools, cutting tools and tool/work-holding equipment output was estimated to be around £960 million (£835 million exported) and the sector is estimated to employ 6100 people.
This project seeks to develop intelligent tooling systems, which will improve the efficiency of machining processes. This project intends not only to support the UK machining sector, but in doing so will generate valuable know how for the UK.
Due to an international treaty, about to be ratified, the process of fitting all the world's large ships with ballast water treatment and sensing systems (BWTS) that both kill invasive species transported and dumped in ports/coastal waters and monitor treatment, will begin. This TSB project enables Process Instruments (UK), a SME that specialises in water quality measuring technology, a world leading team of electrochemists at the University of Warwick, and Element Six, a synthetic diamond manufacturing company, to form a partnership to produce an entirely new type of oxidant sensor based on synthetic boron doped diamond electrodes, which can capture this "winner takes all market". The proposed diamond sensor will outperform all current sensors, which fail to meet market requirements, delivering greater accuracy, stability and reliability, enabling BWTS to be more efficient and safer to the ecology. With a focus on the development of innovative manufacturing and intelligent sensor technology for harsh environments, this project will also deliver manufacturing jobs and a sustainable export business worth millions of pounds pa to the NW regions of the UK economy.
LEDDOE is aimed at developing a novel laser application which enhances the performance of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) composite drill bit inserts for oil and gas drilling applications. This will be achieved by using laser ablation to optimally profile the cutting edges to enhance drilling performance, thereby replacing the basic geometries with more complex, multi-faceted geometries. In addition, fracture attenuation will be achieved by the laser micro-drilling or cutting of specifically designed micro-patterns of optimised 3D shapes placed in strategic locations to better distribute the mechanical/thermal loads into the bulk PCD material during the drilling opeartions.
This industry led, collaborative project will investigate new and existing remote sensing technologies, , for application in High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) diamond synthesis. To date, the challenge of extreme pressures (up to 15GPa), temperatures (up to 2000K) in the presence of molten metal catalysts in HPHT synthesis, have prevented the routine incorporation of real-time pressure sensing or even robust temperature sensing. As a result, current diamond production processes are effectively "flying blind", This lack of feedback control from the synthesis capsule severely limits automation.
During this three year project, we hope to identify and develop robust or remote sensing technologies that are able give real-time information about pressures and temperatures during the diamond synthesis process.The outputs from these sensors will then be used to increase automation in existing processes and also to enable development of robust predictive modelling, leading to increase efficiency throughout R&D and Production.
Element Six (E6) is the lead partner and industrial end user whilst Oxford University will be providing the sensing expertise