Quantum technology developers are currently building physical prototypes to test how well their devices are shielded from magnetic fields and other environmental disturbances—a slow, expensive process that produces inconsistent results across different labs. This project aims to replace that trial-and-error approach with standardised computer simulations. The researchers will create detailed virtual models of quantum devices, then build a test platform to compare the simulated performance against real hardware. By refining the models until they accurately predict real-world behaviour, the team hopes to establish a shared knowledge base of design methods that any lab can use. If successful, this work could dramatically accelerate the development of quantum technologies—from more precise sensors for medical imaging and navigation to secure communication networks and improved atomic clocks that underpin GPS timing. The researchers will initially focus on ion-trap devices, then extend the methods to molecular systems and microwave-to-optical converters. This is primarily a methods-development project. It does not aim to produce a working quantum device, but rather to create the engineering infrastructure that makes building such devices faster, cheaper, and more reliable.
View original technical description
Quantum technologies require complex control systems and packaging to ensure that the quantum effects that they use are not corrupted by their environment or external disturbances such as magnetic fields. At present most approaches to packaging these systems are developed by building a prototype and measuring its performance. This is a time consuming and costly exercise, and it leads to a wide range of different approaches to solving the same problem. Complex simulation tools, which allow a 'virtual' prototype of the control and packaging to be created are beginning to be applied to these systems. The aim of this proposal is to build on this, and develop standard methods that allow detailed simulation of a wide range of quantum technologies. These models and methods will be evaluated by using a test platform to measure the performance of the 'real' hardware against the simulated prototype. This will allow us to rapidly refine the modelling and build a knowledge base of approaches to this type of problem. Finally we will test the subsystems more fully hardware in the loop approach methods to evaluate the real hardware operation within a larger system simulation. Our approach will be to focus on Ion-trap technologies initially, and then apply these approaches to molecular devices and microwave to optical conversion devices. A successful programme will lead to the development of design and testing methods that will accelerate the development of a range of quantum technologies
Plain English summaries and category classifications on this site are generated by AI and may not perfectly reflect the original research.
Is something wrong? Let us know