High fidelity, modular and scalable receiver modules are recognised as the enabling technology for entanglement distribution, which is essential for quantum key distribution, scalable quantum computing and the transmission of quantum states in the quantum internet. To address this need, SEQOND will develop and demonstrate a novel approach for quantum receivers, utilising upconversion to achieve higher performance whilst maintaining low cost and provide a route to exploit quantum memories. This new technology will be demonstrated on a quantum network.

SPARTAN will develop a novel, low-cost frequency comb with an entirely UK-based supply chain for direct exploitation in optical atomic clock products for quantum-enhanced PNT. Broader applications are LIDAR and spectroscopy, including ultrafast and dual-comb techniques for UK defence and security. SPARTAN unites a consortium of UK companies and a not-for-profit RTO, leading in frequency comb and optical clock technologies, custom control systems, and packaging for an innovative approach to commercialising this technology and developing competitive PNT products with a UK supply chain.

By 2035, the UK aims to have deployed the world's most advanced quantum network at scale, pioneering the future quantum internet. A key success factor for the UK's ambition of the Quantum Networking Mission will be availability of Entangled Photon Sources (EPS) with sufficiently high entangled photon pair generation rates initially to support research and development of new applications, and thereafter to support commercially viable services. There is no mature EPS hardware internationally and a lack of UK supply chain. The aim of QNET-EPS is to develop the technology and UK supply chain for sovereign, high performance Entangled Photon Sources.

High fidelity, modular and scalable receiver modules are recognised as the enabling technology for entangled based quantum key distribution, which is essential for distributed quantum computing and the transmission of quantum states in quantum internet. To address this need, the MARCONI project will develop and demonstrate two new OEM quantum key distribution receivers based on different technologies and interchangeable at the point of optical connection. They will be built with UK components: \*For smaller set-ups and short distance communications, a four channel single photon avalanche detector system using novel SPADs from Phlux, packaged by Bay Photonics \*For larger, long-distance applications, a unique 64 channel superconducting nanowire single photon detector system using enhanced SNSPDs from the University of Glasgow cooled by novel 1K system by Chase Cryogenics and coupled with a new compact 64-channel timetagger from Redwave Labs. Redwave Labs will optimise the control electronics and timetaggers for both systems, which will be coupled with Fraunhofer's optical receiver module. The University of Cambridge will demonstrate the receivers in entanglement based discrete variable-quantum key distribution transmission in both metro and long-haul networks. Secure keys will be generated using the BBM92 protocol. A Strategic Advisory Board of end-users and service providers will help direct the R&D and path to commercialisation.

Cold atom-based quantum technologies have great potential because of the versatility of this platform. Cold atoms can be used in a variety of high-performance sensors, including optical clocks, inertial sensors, gravimeters, and magnetometers just to name a few. They rely on stable lasers with stringent requirements on their optical frequency. Recently, these quantum sensors began to be used in the harsh and dynamic environment of space, where inherent stability, reliability, size, weight and low power consumption are critical in determining the success of a mission, even more so than in terrestrial applications. In the PASTEL project we propose to develop and test a completely novel laser architecture that will improve on all the critical performance parameters indicated above over any competing laser technology. This new laser will be passively stabilised to an atomic reference within the laser itself. Our innovative approach eliminates the need for external frequency references and active feedback electronics. This development reduces the size and weight of both the laser module and associated electronics and lowers power consumption, while also improving stability and reliability since the laser cannot lose lock to a reference. We will exploit mature, power-efficient 780 nm diode laser technology, industry-leading miniaturisation and packaging capability, and compact, stable bespoke electronics. We will deliver a fully tested demonstrator laser unit.

For the UK to reach a net-zero carbon economy, the regulation and limitation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions needs to rapidly expand. Natural gas is fast becoming our most dominant fossil fuel and industrial leaks are now a leading source of GHG emissions. Industry majors have committed to expanding emissions monitoring, but the technologies currently available are expensive, labour intensive, and inaccurate. Quantum Gas Imaging (QGI), invented by QLM, is an emerging technology that uses non-cryogenic Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Single-Photon Avalanche Detectors (SPADs) to demonstrate innovative and highly sensitive long-range, single-photon lidar gas imagers that locate and measure invisible gases including methane, CO2 and more. The current generation of the QGI camera uses mechanical scanning to analyse an area with a single sensor. This limits the data acquisition rate, thus prohibiting fast mobile deployment, in the interest of maintaining the sensitivity and spatial resolution necessary. Commerical-off-the-shelf (COTS) SPAD arrays can allow for non-mechanical scanning, but current readout electronics are limited in throughput to allow for such developments. SWIR SPAD array readouts, such as these, require high-speed data acquisition. When combined with the flexibility of Field-Programmable Gate-Array (FPGA) technology, this is going to be a key enabling technology for all other photonic 2nd generation quantum technologies based on single-photon quantum optics research, including free-space quantum telecommunications, photonic quantum processors, and lidar. In this project, QLM Technology will develop a non-mechanical scanning QGI camera that exploits SPAD arrays and their high throughput capabilities to achieve state-of-the-art acquisition rates, sensitivity, and large detector dynamic range. Aston University will develop the advanced signal processing algorithm required to achieve high speed real-time Time to Digital Converter (TDC) and Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) on FPGAs and utilises multi-photon information for the formation of the correlations. RedWave will build the electronics platform to incorporate the advanced high speed time tagging capability into new standalone products, which can be applied in other fields for the 2nd generation quantum technology used in life science and free-space communications, thanks to the flexibility of the FPGA based system.

For the UK to reach a zero-carbon economy, the measurement, regulation, and enforcement of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions needs to rapidly expand. Natural gas (primarily CH4 methane) remains the dominant fossil fuel and industrial leaks are a leading source of GHGs. Currently there are a lack of surveying methods and equipment for the European Union's (EU) ~200,000km of high-pressure pipeline, the UK's ~7,660km of high-pressure pipeline and the ~500,000km of high-pressure pipe-line in the United States in addition to the 100s of above-ground facilities. The project seeks to develop a single photon sensitive detector for methane gas detection operating at 3µm. Methane can be detected at much lower concentrations at this wavelength than at the 1.65µm used in commercial detectors. By applying Differential Absorption Lidar and Time Correlated Single Photon Counting, we can extend the remote spectroscopy capabilities to increase the distance range or decrease the response time; by accessing the 3µm spectral region, low concentration sensitivity is to be increased up to 50-fold. In addition, we can expand the gas species and target other applications are that currently not addressable with a SWIR wavelength. The technical approach is to combine unique III-V alloy material developments with innovative science and engineering at Bay Photonics (optics packaging), Redwave Labs (control electronics) and QLM (signal processing and spectral analysis). The aim will be to optimize solid state cooling to bring the detector to very low temperatures without having recourse to Stirling engines. The project specifications, modelling and detector validation for methane applications will be led by the channel partner QLM. The overall goal is a detector resolvable to single photon/few photon level at 3 µm and evaluated in bench top prototype form.

High resolution 3D maps are required for an increasing number of key subsea applications from installation and operation of offshore wind energy, asset decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and defence. Quantum photonic detection technologies can offer a step change in the resolution, accuracy, coverage, and speed of generation of these maps compared to existing acoustic or traditional imaging solutions. The approach proposed in this project differs from other techniques, as it relies on state-of-the-art single‑photon detection technologies, which allow for three-dimensional imaging with extremely low light level return, typically less than one photon per pixel (in the so-called "sparse-photon" regime) - that corresponds to high underwater attenuation. Single-photon detection is a quantum technology which has recently been exploited for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications. This project exploits recent advances funded under the UK National Quantum Technology Programme in underwater single-photon LiDAR measurements and CMOS silicon single‑photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector array development. One major advantage for underwater imaging; it is in the ideal spectral region for CMOS based SPAD detectors, which have made significant recent advances. This project is led by the marine industry, addressing current industry requirements and will utilise bespoke CMOS SPAD arrays and laser sources for subsea terrain mapping. It is expected that the project will lead to other underwater applications - this project will act as a pathfinder to more widespread deployment of single-photon imaging in the UK subsea industry. This project brings together key industrial and academic institutions with world-class backgrounds to collaboratively develop a commercially viable subsea mapping system based on the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) imaging technique. The key objective is to deliver a complete mapping system based on novel 2D spatial single‑photon array detector technology, which can be deployed to a subsea vehicle and robustly generate 3D maps at high altitude above the sea floor.

bp is aiming to be a very different company by 2030, and our ambition is to be a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero. A key component of becoming an integrated energy company surrounds low carbon electricity and energy, and within that, creating a distinct position in hydrogen, including aiming for a 10% market share in core markets. The **HYDRI** project, led by bp, aims to develop stand-off gas sensing devices critical to the safe roll-out of hydrogen as a widely used energy source in domestic, industrial, and transportation sectors. It harnesses the UK's world-leading expertise in single-photon detector arrays and quantum-sensor technology products. The HYDRI consortium comprises internationally recognised UK organisations at the forefront of the innovative and high technology sectors they serve, who are extremely well placed to deliver the state-of-the-art modules required for these devices. The consortium is led by a globally recognised end-user of the technology who will steer the performance of the project and carry out extensive testing in a range of high-value application scenarios. Finally, the project benefits from the expertise of the UK's leading academic and research technology organisation, who are performing critical system modelling, design, and integration activities throughout this exciting project.

Cold atom based quantum technologies have great potential because of the versatility of this platform. Cold atoms can be used in optical clocks, inertial sensors, gravimeters, and magnetometers just to name a few. They rely on stable and agile lasers with stringent requirements on their optical frequency. Current commercially available lasers are bulky, expensive and struggle to meet these requirements without significant development effort from the user. This limits many quantum technologies to the laboratory. To address these challenges, the Dual-FISH project will develop a versatile, compact and easy-to-use laser solution for cold atom systems, particularly commercial atom clocks. In this project the consortium will produce a single device that provides both optical frequencies (the so-called "cooling" and "repump") required for the operation of cold atom traps in a single optical fibre. We will exploit mature, efficient 780 nm diode laser technology and combine advanced spectroscopy and offset locking schemes with mature packaging capability and compact, powerful bespoke electronics. This innovative approach will allow us to produce a complete laser system that is small (approximately 120x80x50 mm) and ready to use by system integrators intending to commercialise quantum technologies based on cold atom technology, while providing agile laser light without any need for third-party stabilisation hardware.

Navigation using space-based satellite signals underlies many critical technologies across the UK. Most advanced navigation technologies rely on the signals from networks known as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to remain accurate over long distances. Loss of these signals result in an unstable navigation systems and increasingly less accurate location and direction estimation during operation. GNSS signals may be lost accidentally from criminal activity or due to military action. For example, in 2018 several passenger flights off the Norwegian coast lost GNSS signals due to signal 'jamming' from military exercises. In addition, 'Spoofing' or deliberately transmitting false guidance signals has been demonstrated as an insidious cyberweapon that can deliberately mislead and fool cargo or passenger vessels. As systems are increasingly automated, the consequences of the loss of GNSS signals dramatically increase and may include loss of property, or in the extreme case, loss of life. Local on-board instruments can provide measurements to stabilise current navigation system technology without GNSS signals. Quantum technology-based sensors have the potential to provide stability to navigation systems over long periods of time due to the unique combination of high sensitivity to motion with superb isolation from changes in the surrounding environment. High-BIAS2 will demonstrate the ability of a quantum rotation sensor's ability to stabilise the orientation of aircraft guidance system in the absence of GNSS signals. Local stabilisation using quantum technology will decrease the reliance of navigation systems on GNSS and provides a measure of protection against signal loss, jamming, and spoofing to increase safety and security.

Quantum technologies are a core asset in the UK industrial strategy. They will secure the digital world, see where current cameras cannot, and underpin new drugs, thanks to quantum computers solving currently intractable calculations. In collaboration with the Universities and Research Centres, UK high-tech industries are working on translating them from scientific concepts to available technologies, products, and capabilities. To support this challenge, more than £1Billion has been committed in both Government and Industry funding. Photonics is one of the sectors leading the development and deployment of quantum technologies. Light can carry quantum-secured communications, measure faint signal such as gravitational waves, and solve quantum algorithms. Photonics-based quantum technologies are either required to measure single photons one at a time (single-photon detectors) or to record continuous quantum light signals (proportional detectors) with minimal losses to retain the signatures that make them different from classical light. Here we address this second approach to quantum optical technologies. Today, applications based on such measurement schemes are limited, and detectors are home-built by researchers, often at significant cost in time and monetary. With this project, we join the expertise and capabilities of Bay Photonics (optical packaging and optoelectronics), RedWave Labs (electronics), the experience and resources of the Centre for Process Innovation (photonic applications) and of research teams at the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow (quantum sources, low-noise electronics, quantum metrology) to design, build and test a prototype of a quantum sensor able to address this gap in the market and supply chain. We aim to provide the first commercial solution for measuring quantum states of light composed of thousands to several billion photons. The engagement of the Centre for Process Innovation and the University teams will, on the one hand, contribute to the design of the product, and on the other, serve as an end-user test for the developed technology. The outcome of this endeavour will be a versatile solution for the high sensitivity measurements empowering quantum metrology and some of the most advanced concepts of quantum computing.

QT Assemble brings together a consortium of UK companies to develop highly-innovative assembly and integration processes for new markets in quantum technologies. Waveguide writing, nanoscale alignment and monolithic integration will be used to deliver new levels of performance in robust and reliable platforms. High-performance components and systems will be demonstrated including highly-integrated lases, photon sources, photon detectors and ultra-cold matter systems. New commercial opportunities have been identified that require reliable and robust operation in quantum sensing and quantum information processing markets.

Navigation using space-based satellite signals underlies many critical technologies across the UK. Most advanced navigation technologies rely on the signals from networks known as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to remain accurate over long distances. Loss of these signals result in an unstable navigation systems and increasingly less accurate location and direction estimation during operation. GNSS signals may be lost accidentally from criminal activity or due to military action. For example, in 2018 several passenger flights off the Norwegian coast lost GNSS signals due to signal 'jamming' from military exercises. In addition, 'Spoofing' or deliberately transmitting false guidance signals has been demonstrated as an insidious cyberweapon that can deliberately mislead and fool cargo or passenger vessels. As systems are increasingly automated, the consequences of the loss of GNSS signals dramatically increase and may include loss of property, or in the extreme case, loss of life. Local on-board instruments can provide measurements to stabilise current navigation system technology without GNSS signals. Quantum technology-based sensors have the potential to provide stability to navigation systems over long periods of time due to the unique combination of high sensitivity to motion with superb isolation from changes in the surrounding environment. High-BIAS2 will demonstrate the ability of a quantum rotation sensor's ability to stabilise the orientation of aircraft guidance system in the absence of GNSS signals. Local stabilisation using quantum technology will decrease the reliance of navigation systems on GNSS and provides a measure of protection against signal loss, jamming, and spoofing to increase safety and security.

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The Sidewinder project develops a component targeted for quantum technology systems integrators looking for a component to replace multiple lasers and control equipment, which can be included in a system with a minimum of complication. It will result in a component that outputs dual frequencies with narrow linewidth, intrinsically stable in respect to each other, for control of atomic states, e.g. cooling & repump, without additional sources. The electronics control system will be capable of driving all aspects the novel laser and in addition will be useful for a range of laser laboratory quantum technology experiments. The component will be fundamentally simple to integrate and operate by a non-academic user.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a well understood application of quantum technology and there are several metropolitan fibre networks already established for QKD services. However, key distribution is limited by absorption inside optical fibres which mean that transmissions over distances greater than about 150 km are impractical. Free space communications, though, does not suffer the same degree of attenuation and single photon communication with satellites orbiting the Earth at several hundred kilometres has been demonstrated. Satellites then, provide an ideal vehicle for distributing quantum key information across very large distances between end users spread across countries or continents. However, in order to benefit from the advances in satellite technology, a network of Optical Ground Receivers (OGRs) are required to receive and detect the photons carrying the key information. The UK, as a major player in the development of advanced optical & photonic technologies, is well positioned to address this future market for OGR. This project works with users to specify OGR requirements and prototypes and tests a QKD receiver, whilst designing and making plans for scaled manufacture in the UK.

"Quantum technology has the potential to have great impact upon various aspects of our daily lives. Across the UK National Quantum Technology Programme, work is underway to realise benefits to multiple sectors, for example within healthcare, transport, energy, communications and defence. One area within the programme is quantum sensing, where the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology is creating the next generation of high performance sensors and aiming to bring these into everyday applications. These sensors are based upon the use of clouds of atoms as probes where, through the use of laser cooling (winning the Nobel prize in 1997), the atoms can be slowed down sufficiently that they are almost stationary during a measurement. This provides an extremely clean and well controlled sensor, allowing exceptionally precise measurements. For example, modern cold atom based clocks are stable enough that they would not drift by one second during the age of the Universe. The use of cold atoms also presents a challenge, as in order to create such as system requires high precision technology including stable and precise lasers and magnetic fields. This typically results in systems being large and complicated, traditionally filling an entire laboratory. Modern advances have allowed significant improvements in portability and size, but a considerable challenge still remains regarding power and driving electronics. The objective of the CONE project is to create compact and robust electronics for cold atom sensors, and trial their use in a demonstration system. The aim is to realise a 50% reduction in the overall system size, through both miniaturisation and better integration of the electronics. CONE aims to transfer knowledge to Red Wave Laboratories in order to enable them to fill an important gap within the UK quantum technology supply chain, enabling them to provide robust electronics solutions and potentially future integrated systems."

Diode lasers are enabling technology in a wide range of fields including sensing, healthcare and material processing. In this project, we will develop a laser module combining a diode laser, an analog laser driver and a digital power supply. Combining the three functions in a designed module allows the laser to perform at its best, increasing the efficiency and lifetime, and reducing noise.

Quantum technologies are poised to reshape the scientific field, but are limited at present by the availability of high-performance, narrow-linewidth laser systems in a compact size, as these laser sub-systems tend to be a major contributor to the size and cost of the final system. In this project we will develop a compact, narrow-linewidth laser system to achieve the performance required for quantum technology applications. This project will aim to address the requirements for use in Rb based quantum sensors with a practical narrow linewidth laser system at 780 nanometers.

This is a feasibility project developing new type of narrow linewidth compact lasers. Consortium includes RedWave Labs Ltd (opto-electronics system manufacturer) and RAL Space (world class research in laser applications). We propose to develop a narrow linewidth laser (target 0.4-0.5 kHz) with a small footprint (optical head expected to be ca 50 x 40 x 30 mm) operating in the near infrared range with output power level up 10 mW and integrated electronics control. This would significantly outperform existing commercial technologies and be ready for deployment in emerging quantum applications.

Redwave Labs proposes to build an international business network to exploit an emerging need for customised power supplies for diode lasers. By building on excellent first contacts with three key companies in the United States, Redwave Labs plans to establish partnerships leading to the development of tailored power supplies capable of offering (i) high grade power control for high plug efficiency (especially relevant for material processing), (ii) low current noise for good light control (especially relevant for sensors and laser based instruments), (iii) easy control and (iv) local and remote monitoring. The networks developed under this grant would give a full understanding of customer requirements needed to develop individually tailored power supplies.

MIRICO is developing a highly innovative instrument that was originally intend for use in space missions, to measure atmospheric profiles on planets such as Mars. The instrument design offers laboratory performance in a compact simple operation instrument. This project is the first step towards developing the instrument for point of care diagnosis of severe infections in hospitals, the analyser will measure human breath content to identify the onset of a severe infection in critically ill patients with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes, saving lives and reducing costs in healthcare organisations. The instrument will be developed and tested for a range of gas mixtures to mimic real life human breath scenarios, a step before using it for animal and human clinical studies

To diversify and enhance the product range of current analogue sensors and laser controllers with the development and inclusion of internet enabled smart digital controllers.