QLM Technology Ltd Public Funding

Manmade methane emissions cause 25% of global heating but also present a golden opportunity to decisively act on the climate crisis. About 40% of these emissions come from leaks from fossil fuel exploration, production and transportation so the measures to plug these leaks could pay for themselves by selling the extra gas captured. To do this however it is crucial to locate and quantify the methane leaks. Unfortunately, existing technologies are either simple and prone to error or complex, expensive and require highly trained field staff. QLM Technology Ltd was founded on the idea that quantum lidar systems could be developed into long-range low-cost 'security cameras' that continuously and autonomously image and quantify methane emissions. Lidars use the reflections of a laser beam off of solid objects to measure the distance to everything around them so are being widely used to image the surrounding of autonomous cars. Quantum technology researchers use single-photon avalanche detectors (SPADs) to detect the very smallest signals of light. QLM uses all that with a laser that rapidly scans wavelength across a methane absorption line. QLM's Quantum Gas Lidar (QGL) sees solid objects and methane gas leaks all around as far away as 200m. QLM was funded by Innovate UKs' Quantum Technology Programme and by investors including gas industry leader SLB. We are working closely with SLB End-to-end Emissions Solutions (SEES), a new business dedicated to eliminating methane emissions from oil and gas production and distribution, to deploy QGL systems worldwide. We have been awarded 4 UK and USA patents and are building a manufacturing facility in Paignton with the potential to produce thousands of units. This project will help continue QGL optimization and qualification to industrial standards and the development of our QGL manufacturing line. As well as SEES business QLM is also seeing strong demand from other customers at gas utilities, waste-water treatment, coal mining and biogas energy converters. To address these this project will help develop QLM's own commercial cloud analytics platform. And for both ourselves and SLB we will also extend the QGL with explosion proof certification, and develop a next generation lidar system that is smaller, lower cost, higher speed and mobile. By developing a revolutionary product with a growing international market QLM is helping to establish the UK as a leader in practical quantum technology innovation.

Our project, Nonlinear Upconversion Technique for Monitoring Environmental Gases (NUTMEG), will develop, construct and test a portable greenhouse-gas sensor for environmental monitoring applications. We will demonstrate a platform approach targeting CO2, Methane, NOx and Ammonia monitoring. Our innovative approach uses laser upconversion in nonlinear (PPLN) waveguides to access lines of increased absorption in the mid-infrared. This allows us to make use of single-photon detectors based on silicon technology for increased sensitivity. We will build on QLM's mature gas-sensing products to provide enhanced sensitivity. We aim for the demonstrator system to be briefcase-sized and operate at eye-safe power levels, comparing favourably with current truck-mounted alternatives. The system will be field tested with engaged end users. To enable this, Covesion will develop new optically packaged PPLN waveguides that push the boundaries of waveguide operation at mid-infrared wavelengths. Fraunhofer will provide testing and prototyping capabilities for enabling the improvement of the waveguide fabrication at novel wavelengths and performing sensitivity measurements.

Reducing human contributions to global warming and the journey to net-zero is a major problem for society to tackle. Technology developments will be a large part of the process to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The simplest way to reduce is emissions is to reduce gas leaks, requiring very sensitive leak detection equipment. Natural gas (largely consisting of methane) is becoming the dominant fossil fuel due to the reduced carbon dioxide emissions. However, industrial leaks are a major source of Greenhouse gases (GHGs). After COP26, industry and legislation attention is shifting towards reducing methane emissions. Traditional sensitive equipment can be bulky and labour intensive to operate. There is a need for wide-spread continuous monitoring equipment for detection of methane and other GHGs. QLM has pioneered deployment of quantum technology, in the form of an infrared LiDAR camera to image, locate and quantify GHGs. However, this is just the first step along the way and improvements in sensitivity of detection can be used to extend the range of operation, or speed of detection. This project collaboration between QLM, Fraunhofer, Covesion and the University of Bristol provides an innovative approach to solve this problem, by generating scattering at longer wavelengths, then using quantum up-conversion of photons to shorter wavelength for detection on low-noise, efficient visible wavelength detectors with single-photon sensitivity. This requires development of upconversion technology by Covesion, to work at longer wavelengths than currently demonstrated, but that are theoretically viable. Initial work will prove the concept at wavelengths that are known to be feasible and will offer increased detection efficiency. This technology will open up the possibility of detecting more varied gas species with high sensitivity in a wavelength region where there are limited solutions.

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.

To address climate change, attention on greenhouse gases has recently expanded from an overwhelming focus on carbon dioxide to include methane. Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas, because for 20 years after release, it is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane is a major constituent of natural gas, which has experienced increased demand, owing to a global switch from coal and oil to natural gas. In addition to its detrimental effects on climate change, methane loss caused by leaks is estimated to cost more than 23 billion GBP per year. Ideally, continuous monitoring for methane with good spatial resolution is needed to identify and minimise methane loss. However, current technologies to detect methane leaks are expensive and time-consuming, resulting in only occasional inspections. Handheld "sniffers" detect leaks at short range, requiring them to be passed over every square foot of a facility. Satellite imaging, (ESA's Copernicus Sentinel 5P satellite) provides wider coverage but suffers from poor spatial resolution (19.5 km2) and intermittent data. The AIR SPAD project addresses this important shortcoming of current methane detection technology, by developing high-performance single photon detectors, with 4X higher detection efficiency for quantum gas sensing cameras. The project team consists of Phlux, QLM, and The University of Sheffield (TUoS). QLM has recently demonstrated quantum gas sensing cameras (based on single photon infrared LIDAR) that can image and quantify greenhouse gases at long range. These cameras have great potential to drastically reduce the complexity and cost of gas monitoring of large industrial sites, but their camera performance is currently limited to low frame rates, and static operation caused by inadequate performance of the single photon detectors available. Phlux Technology Ltd and TUoS have recently demonstrated a new infrared single photon detector technology that has the potential to deliver 4X higher single photon detection efficiency (SPDE) than commercial Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs). Deployed in QLM's quantum gas sensing, Phlux's AIR SPAD detector could increase the framerate by 4X, while increasing measurement range and methane sensitivity. We believe this project will not only be a game changer for quantum gas sensing camera capability, but also lead to a UK supplier for SWIR SPADs. AIR SPAD could also be an equally disruptive technology for fibre-based quantum key distribution systems and infrared quantum imaging.

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.

The QuEOD project brings together academic and industrial partners to break through the technology barriers for novel types of time-resolved SWIR detectors and pave the way forwards for UK sovereign supply and leadership. It will to develop a unique supply chain and engage in commercial exploitation for both CMT and GaSb detector technologies for next generation quantum technology applications. Industrial partners include Photon Force (project leader), Leonardo, ArQIT, IQE and QLM. Academic partners are Heriot Watt University, Cardiff University and Sheffield University, and RTO - Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult.

As natural gas becomes the leading fossil fuel, industrial gas leaks are becoming a major source of climate changing carbon emissions. The SPLICE project assembles a world-leading scientific and industrial consortium to develop and industrialise gas (methane) imagers based on time-correlated single photon counting, one of the early applications of quantum technology. This revolutionary UK technology will make accurate leak measurements at a fraction of existing costs, allowing the global gas industry to control fugitive gas emissions, help save many billions of £, and building a sustainable world leading business that reduces climate change. Shortwave infrared (SWIR) wavelength single photon avalanche detectors (SPADs) are emerging from initial applications to quantum telecommunication networks into new sensing applications, including vehicle lidar. QLM, a start-up out of the University of Bristol and QuantIC, the Quantum Enhanced Imaging Hub, and ID Quantique, the world leader in near IR single photon detection, have used non-cryogenic SWIR SPADs to demonstrate innovative, low-cost, highly sensitive, long range, single-photon lidar gas imagers that see and measure invisible toxic gases. These quantum gas imager prototypes have demonstrated outstanding performance, but the technology remains at prototype level, using individually packaged commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) photonic and optical components and only addressing a single gas, methane, so is not yet ready for industrial use. The SPLICE project will be a major expansion of engineering talent and effort aiming to build the first scalable industrial product to come from the UK's £billion investment in quantum technology. The SPLICE team will innovate this technology into a flexible sensor platform that addresses key customer demands for robust, low cost and industrially qualified products that can simultaneously image multiple greenhouse gases. Commercial photonics experts QLM, IDQ, Compound Semiconductor Application Catapult and Bay Photonics will collaborate to expand the range of critical components, develop new multiple gas designs, start UK development of enabling SPAD detectors with the University of Sheffield, and expand work on new mid-IR quantum sensing architectures that can measure all possible gases with the University of Bristol. Together we will integrate the best of these new designs into compact state-of-the-art packages and develop and qualify complete networked IoT imager products to industry requirements. And then with gas emissions experts at the National Physical Laboratory and natural gas and industrial sensor leaders National Grid, Ametek, and BP we will validate our imagers' capabilities for commercial applications and start to address the multi £100m business opportunity.

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"QLM is developing compact, high-sensitivity, low-power, Tuneable Diode Lidar (TDLidar) gas detection and imaging systems based on novel semiconductor infrared lasers and detectors and quantum technology developed by researchers at the University of Bristol. By providing far more cost effective and practical methods to identify and quantify leaks in gas production and distribution facilities we expect to enable the global O&G industry to make significant improvements in limiting fugitive gas emissions. Natural gas leakage is projected to constitute more than 10% of all global Green House Gas emissions over coming decades so the scale of the problem, and the benefit of effective solutions, is many billions of £. The plan for QGMC2 is to do extended sensor trials with NPL's assistance. NPL's Emissions and Atmospheric Metrology Group (EAMG) has strong expertise and credibility in the demonstration and calibration of natural gas leaks in commercially relevant environments and in relating sensor measurements to physical leak rates. The goal of both of the Quantitative Gas Measurement Campaign (QGMC) projects is a series of successful sensor application demonstrations with close involvement by end users that will lay the foundations for rigorous product development contracts with the same users. We expect to test both the latest version of our drone-based leak mapping system and new sensor configurations including fixed and handheld quantitative imagers and sensor arrays configured as fence-line monitors."

Natural gas is expected to continue to increase its role as a major global energy source for decades to come. But, while natural gas combustion is cleaner and more efficient than other fossil fuels, methane, the primary constituent of natural gas, is 30 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas, so leakage in production and transportation can overwrite the environmental benefits of natural gas use. Natural gas leaks within the global Oil & Gas industry are widespread and have serious safety and economic costs estimated. The market for leak detection equipment and services is therefore growing rapidly and is expected to exceed $3Bn in 2022 but existing technologies remain inadequate for widespread industrial application. QLM Technology is developing a novel remote sensing natural gas leak detection solution based on quantum technology capable of both imaging and quantifying the leaks. NPL has strong expertise in the demonstration and calibration of natural gas leaks in commercially relevant environments and in relating sensor measurements to physical leak rates. This Analysis For Innovators project will involve remotely measuring NPL's calibrated methane leaks in outdoor conditions using the QLM prototype system.

Gas sensing is a growing market, with Oil & Gas leak detection alone expected to grow to $3.4Bn in 2022. Natural gas leaks cost companies $30Bn per year, the ability to detect these leaks is limited by the characteristics of existing technologies. The SPRINGS project sets out to develop a quantum-inspired laser radar (LIDAR) capable of detecting the lowest concentration of natural gas leaks required by the industry out to a 200 metres operational distance. This brings a 10-fold sensitivity improvement over our closest competitor and enables fast scanning and imaging. It is lightweight and low-power and unlocks new applications for Oil & Gas and waste management industries, and it delivers an unprecedented 30 miles per hour surveying speed. To ensure long-term leadership, we will also develop a quantum-enhanced prototype, taking us to mid-IR wavelengths, for a further 10-fold performance gain. This opens up the possibility for other gas species and unlocks applications such as Oil & Gas exploration and remote detection of explosives.