Videos

In this talk you can find out more about a variety of career opportunities available in quantum communications. You will hear from three researchers from the UK’s Quantum Communications Hub, funded through the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, about their career journeys in quantum, the fascinating research they’re undertaking, and the exciting applications of it.

An interview with Quantum Communications Hub Director, Professor Tim Spiller, with Suva De from Forest Learn. Tim discusses what first sparked his interest in physics, his career journey, the work of the Quantum Communications Hub, advice he'd give to students considering a career in physics and more.

An animation explaining what quantum communications are and how satellites can help extend the range of quantum communications over global scales. We describe a long-term vision of how a constellation of these satellites can drive improvements in secure communications, and in sensing, navigation, weather forecasting, and climate observation.

Explore the transformative impact of the quantum geophysics research, carried out by researchers at the UK Quantum Technology Hub Sensors and Timing.

Researchers from Quantum City partner, the Quantum Communications Hub, have recently published new work which could enable us to gain an improved understanding of the universe, using Quantum Technologies. The work, published by Cosmo Lupo, Zixin Huang and Pieter Kok, outlines the best possible method for constructing a quantum interferometer which could be incorporated into telescopes used by astronomers to study far away galaxies. The researchers, who are based at the University of Sheffield, have released a video describing the interferometer they have designed and explaining why it is superior to classical technologies.

To many people, quantum physics is a term that goes hand in hand with science fiction movies thanks to mind-blowing yet fascinating quantum concepts such as entanglement, superposition and teleportation. However, these fundamental concepts are now responsible for some incredibly exciting and life-changing emerging technologies. We are entering the second quantum revolution (the first being the emergence of lasers and devices utilising semi-conductors etc) and are now starting to see new quantum technologies move out of the lab and into everyday life. In this talk, Professor Tim Spiller from the University of York in the UK, introduces some of the key concepts of quantum physics and explains how quantum technologies, specific to communications, will revolutionise and future proof cyber security.

If you can braid hair you can understand something about the mathematics of quantum computers. A mysterious kind of particle called an "anyon" has been hypothesized to exist. These particles can become tangled with each other to make braids! This is one way that people are working to make a quantum computer. Hear more about this in this fascinating talk given as part of European Quantum Week by Dr Simon Burton from UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute.

Quantum Communications Hub Director, Professor Tim Spiller, gave a keynote on lecture on Quantum Technologies at the ‘Schools’ Physicist of the Year Awards 2020’ which was hosted virtually, by the University of York and funded by the Ogden Trust. 

Spiller’s keynote lecture on Quantum Technologies gave a very general introduction to new quantum technologies, explaining briefly the quantum physics concepts that underpin these, such as superposition, entanglement and uncertainty, and illustrated their ‘quantum advantage’, before focusing on communications technologies whose security is based on quantum physics. He gave a brief overview of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme and the projects it funds, and then moved on to discussing the work and technologies of the Quantum Communications Hub, alongside the applications of its technologies, in more detail.

What does the future hold for computing? We believe our next great technological leap lies in the development of quantum computing. They could solve problems that it takes a conventional computer longer than the lifetime of the universe to solve.

Quantum computers could bring new possibilities, such as advanced drug development, superior military intelligence, greater opportunities for space exploration and enhanced encryption security.

They also present real risks, but scientists are already working, for example, on new forms of encryption that even a quantum computer couldn’t crack.

Experience tells us we should think about the applications and implications of quantum computing, long before they become reality as we strive to ensure a safe future in the exciting, new age of quantum computing.

This animation was produced by Scriberia for NQIT

QuantIC is the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Enhanced Imaging. This film gives an idea of what we do and we'd like to hear from you about new imaging ideas and applications.

Gain an insight into the work of the UK National Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Timing.

Video introducing the basic concepts behind quantum communications and the work of the Quantum Communications Hub.

Video recording of "The Shape of Things to Come? Life in the Quantum Age" panel discussion that took place at the Ron Cooke Hub, University of York as part of the 2018 York Festival of Ideas programme (11 June 2018). The panel included Professor Tim Spiller (Director, Quantum Communications Hub), Professor Winnie Hensinger (Senior Investigator, NQIT Hub for Networked Quantum Information Technologies), Dr Jo Smart (Project Manager, UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology), and Professor Steve Beaumont (Director, QuantIC Hub for Quantum Enhanced Imaging). The panel Chair was science journalist Kate Ravillious.

Short video introducing the Quantum City public engagement initiative, its partners, funding, aims and key messages.

Quantum City is a joint public engagement initiative by many stakeholders of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. It brings together researchers from the UK Quantum Technology Hubs, Centres for Doctoral Training and the National Physical Laboratory. Through a joint communications and impact evaluation plan, a series of science festival demonstrations, strong online presence and a coordinated social media strategy, participating partners hope to instill an understanding of the benefits of quantum technologies, showcase the UK’s expertise in this area, and inspire young audiences to become the next generation of quantum technologists.

To find out more, visit www.quantumcity.org.uk

Filmed by Digifish at a Royal Institution (London) outreach event in November 2019.