A new generation of cameras, built on quantum physics, will soon see through fog, smoke, and even human tissue. These devices exploit quantum entanglement—the strange link between particles of light—to capture images that classical physics cannot produce. The problem is that current imaging technology hits fundamental limits: it cannot see around corners, through dense smoke, or inside the body without invasive procedures. QuantIC, the UK’s quantum imaging hub, aims to break those limits. The researchers have already spun out three companies and are developing 12 product prototypes with industry. If successful, the technology could transform medical diagnostics—allowing doctors to see inside the body without X-rays—and improve safety systems, such as radar that cannot be jammed or confused by other signals. The hub also anchors a wider UK investment programme, including a £118M research facility and a £150M innovation centre, to translate fundamental quantum science into commercial products. The goal is to secure a leading share of a global market expected to be worth £1 billion to the UK economy.
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Quantum physics describes how nature links the properties of isolated microscopic objects through interactions mediated by so-called quantum entanglement and that apply not just to atoms but also to particles of light, "photons". These discoveries led to the first "quantum revolution", delivering a range of transformative technologies such as the transistor and the laser that we now take for granted. We are now on the cusp of a second "quantum revolution", which will, over the next 5-10 years, yield a new generation of electronic and photonic devices that exploit quantum science. The challenge is to secure a leadership position in the race to the industrialisation of quantum physics to claim a large share of this emerging global market, which is expected to be worth £1 billion to the UK economy. QuantIC, the UK's centre for quantum imaging, was formed over four years ago to apply quantum technologies to the development of new cameras with unique imaging capabilities. Tangible impacts are the creation of 3 new companies (Sequestim, QLM and Raycal), technology translation into products through licencing (Timepix chip - Kromek) and the ongoing development with industry of a further 12 product prototypes. Moving forward, QuantIC will continue to drive paradigm-changing imaging systems such as the ability to see directly inside the human body, the ability to see through fog and smoke, to make microscopes with higher resolution and lower noise than classical physics allows and quantum radars that cannot be jammed or confused by other radars around them. These developments will be enabled by new technologies, such as single-photon cameras, detectors based on new materials and single-photon sensitivity in the mid-infrared spectral regions. Combined with our new computational methods, QuantIC will enable UK industry to lead the global imaging revolution. QuantIC will dovetail into other significant investments in the Quantum technology transfer ecosystem which is emerging in the UK. The University of Glasgow has allocated one floor of the £118M research hub to supporting fundamental research in quantum science and £28M towards the creation of the Clyde Waterfront Innovation Campus, a new £80M development in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise focussing on the translation of nano and quantum science for enabling technologies such as photonics, optoelectronics and quantum. Heriot-Watt has invested over £2M in new quantum optics laboratories and is currently building a £20M Global Research Innovation and Discovery Centre opening in 2019 to drive the translation of emerging technologies. Bristol is creating a £43M Quantum Innovation centre which already has £21M of industrial investment. Strathclyde University is creating a second £150M Technology Innovation Centre around 6 priority areas, one of which is Quantum Technology. All of these form part of the wider UK Quantum Technology Programme which is set to transform the UK's world leading science into commercial reality in line with the UK's drive towards a high productivity and high-skill economy. QuantIC will lead the quantum imaging research agenda and act as the bond between parallel activities and investments, thus ensuring paradigm-changing innovation that will transform tomorrow's society.
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