Jul 6 2017
A Physicist at the Lancaster University is working along with industrial partners to create quantum technologies with the aim that it will transform telecommunications.
One of the molecular beam epitaxy reactors at Lancaster used to grow quantum rings. (Credit: Lancaster University)
The quantum and classical optical communication technology of the future requires mass production of very economical components which can be worked at telecoms wavelengths and at room temperature.
A patent is pending on the technologies which will enable mobile devices with uncrackable security, unparalleled speed and lower cost.
The patent will enable industrial collaborators to make the most of this breakthrough which has been developed by Dr Manus Hayne from Lancaster University’s Department of Physics, a global-authority on self-assembled GaSb/GaAs quantum rings and their usage in devices such as telecoms-wavelength VCSELs.
The QR-SPLED project, which is headed by Dr Hayne, is funded through Innovate UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), within the framework of the UK National Quantum Technologies Program.
We will assess the feasibility of mass producing low-cost single-photon sources in the form of single-photon light emitting diodes (SPLEDs). These will exploit the unique properties of semiconductor nanostructures called self-assembled quantum rings, which we have recently used in novel Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) that operate at very low currents and at temperatures up to 110 degrees C.
Dr Manus Hayne, Lancaster University’s Department of Physics
The QR-SPLED industry partners are IQE and CST Global.
UK funding of the project guarantees the critical knowledge and expertise produced by this project will stay in the UK, and allows the commercial collaborators to be at the vanguard of the world’s emerging, next generation, quantum telecommunications driven, network security.