Quantum City showcases quantum technologies at Royal Society Summer Science exhibition
At the start of an incredibly warm July, the five Quantum Technology Hubs, part of the wider UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, exhibited various exciting quantum demonstrations in the Quantum Zone at the Royal Society Summer Science exhibition, an annual week-long festival that showcases the latest research from across the UK through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and talks. Organised by the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), the Quantum Zone aimed to showcase the impressive development of quantum technologies in the UK, and how they will eventually be embedded into everyday lives for real world impact.
Secure communications in space
The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub participated with an exhibit showcasing the vision of the quantum satellite mission, which will deliver quantum secure communications technologies from space. The exhibit, called SPOQC, was made up of two 3D printed models – one of the SPOQC satellite, bearing a specially designed, double quantum payload, and that of the Hub Optical Ground Station facility(known as HOGS).
Diamonds for diagnosis
Q-BIOMED Hub researchers led on the ‘quantum in the real world’ exhibit, where they presented a prototype of a diamond magnetometer, showcasing how this innovative technology could expand the use of magnetic markers in cancer diagnostics. Their demonstration also featured a diamond with a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre. By shining a green laser on it, visitors could observe red fluorescence - a visible manifestation of its quantum properties.
Meet EntangleCam, the new quantum camera
QuSIT researchers showcased EntangleCam, a new quantum camera aimed at improving cancer diagnosis. EntangleCam is an optical camera which has the potential to replace modern-day MRI and endoscopy equipment, as it can detect subtle differences in tissue and other biological materials advancing tumour detection.
Time-of-flight game and single photon camera
QEPNT Hub researchers showcased a live demo on single-photon three-dimensional imaging. This approach based on quantum detection technologies delivers 3D imaging with excellent surface-to-surface resolution, even in extreme environments such as through water, fog, and long distances. The demonstrator comprised two sections: a game aimed to explain the concepts of time-of-flight and histograms; and a single-photon camera which showed depth, intensity, and histograms in real-time. This highly interactive demo was ideal to explain to a wide audience the potential of quantum detection technologies for three-dimensional imaging.
Overall, 7871 meaningful interactions with visitors were recorded in the quantum zone over the course of the exhibition. This included two evening soirees with Fellows of the Royal Society, and a special visit from Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, on Thursday 3rd July.