Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/R020183/1
Title:	Commercial Feasibility for Sub-Shot Noise Quantum Technology Sensing and Imaging
Principal Investigator:	Piekarek, Dr M
Other Investigators:	Matthews, Professor J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Organisation:	University of Bristol
Scheme:	Technology Programme
Starts:	01 October 2017	Ends:	30 April 2018	Value (£):	13,284
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
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Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Quantum mechanics declares that correctly harnessed quantum states of light offer a paradigm shift in the capabilities of imaging and sensing. Examples include reduction of measurement noise that can enable faster measurements and reduce tissue damage, and so-called "quantum ghost imaging" where objects are observed at one colour of light whilst only having to detect another wavelengths that are cheaper and more practical to work with. To deliver success ahead of other competitive initiatives in countries that are also investing heavily in quantum technologies, our nation requires intensely focused effort in the precise and detailed identification of real applications. This will provide a showcase of truly applied quantum technology to the world. Our goal is to do just this for quantum light sources (QLS) and mitigate the risk that the UK achievements in quantum imaging and quantum sensing do not realise in economic terms. We will use our focused effort in quantifying a real market need in order to tailor the technology into a usable and beneficial product. As part of the UK national quantum technologies programme, UofB in the quantum enhanced imaging hub QUANTIC have successfully demonstrated instances of a quantum light source (QLS) used imaging and sensing with measurement noise suppressed to below what is achievable with current state of the art techniques. This is enormously exciting as it has profound implications for imaging applications and has the potential to be an innovative, UK-first, QT-based commercial imaging product. However, key questions arise: (i) to exactly what sectors can QLS bring the biggest impact? And (ii) exactly what performance metrics and characteristics must these QLS have to be realistically useful and economically viable? This project addresses the scope of the call by identifying the most viable potential market opportunities for QLS, together with the challenges, both technical and commercial, for future road-mapping. Partner Unitive Design & Analysis Ltd will lead this market-focused project to identify real-world problems and engage with leading, early adopter candidates. For example, either current state of the art imaging products are limited by the statistical nature of 'classical' light emission, or users currently accept photon shot noise as inevitable - either way, precision in data is lost. This project will reveal clear commercial opportunities to form the basis for a subsequent prototype project based on end user requirements and to their specifications. UofB brings world-leading quantum optics expertise to survey and analyse the technology and gain understanding of potential customer, supply chain and user requirements. Most importantly, UofB will identify feasibility of identified requirements and identify the very best way to match the customer requirements with the best candidate technology.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Organisation Website:	http://www.bris.ac.uk