Researchers from Heriot-Watt University have gained funding to take a deeper look at the possibilities of quantum tech.

New investment will be used to help solve a potential roadblock in the UK’s quest to become a global leader in quantum technology.

Dr Xin Yi from Heriot-Watt’s Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences has been awarded a £747,000 EPSRC Quantum Technology Career Development Fellowship.

The fellowship will allow Dr Yi to develop a short-wave infrared quantum detector that will form one of the critical building blocks of quantum technology.

Short-wave infrared is important due to its compatibility with long-distance optical fibre communications and long-range atmospheric transmission.

Much of quantum tech relies on being able to detect individual particles of light, or photons, using detectors known as single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs).

Currently, SPAD performance is limited because the semiconductor materials they are made from, Indium Phosphide (InP), cannot do efficient single-photon detection like shorter wavelength silicon-based SPADs.

This means that their performance is limited due to the inherent randomness in amplitude and timing of the amplified current signal.

Over the next five years, Dr Yi will generate novel SWIR SPADs coupled with artificially engineered electron avalanche regions that improve the scope and performance of future quantum technology-based applications and develop the supply chain and technology for its manufacture.

Commenting on the funding and research, Dr Yi said: “This fellowship will position the UK as an international leader in short wave infrared SPAD design and manufacture, resulting in significant export potential.

“It will bridge the gaps between material science, physics and engineering, placing us at the forefront of areas like long-distance, secure quantum communications and emerging optical imaging technologies.

“As well as working in Heriot-Watt’s state-of-the-art laboratories, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the University of Sheffield, and working on exploitation pathways with my industrial partners, Leonardo and Photon Force.”

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Dr Yi is one of only 15 researchers across Britain to be awarded the fellowship, and the only one in Scotland.

Heriot-Watt University plays an important leadership role in each of the EPSRC Quantum Technology Hubs in Quantum Enhanced Imaging (QuantIC) and Quantum Communications (QuComms).

This fellowship will complement the Hubs’ quantum detector research, as well as the EPSRC “SPEXS” led by the Scottish university.

Dr Kedar Pandya, director of cross-council programmes at EPSRC, added: “Developing national capability in quantum technologies will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the research that will ultimately transform for the better huge areas of our economy and society, from security and finance, to transport, communications, land use and healthcare.

“We are delighted to be able to support the efforts of our research community through these fellowships as they work to bring this remarkable future closer for us all.”

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