The Hub strives to connect its EPSRC research activity, for example through Innovate UK funding to higher TRLs and commercial exploitation. As planned further translational funding with industry partners is driving this impact route. Since the start of the Hub several translational Innovate UK projects have begun.
Kairos
Abstract
This project, funded via UK Research and Innovation, will develop a pre-production prototype of a miniature atomic clock for providing precise timing to a variety of critical infrastructure services, such as reliable energy supply, safe transport links, mobile communications, data networks and electronic financial transactions. The precise measurement of time is fundamental to the effective functioning of these services, which currently rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for a timing signal. However, GNSS signals are easily disrupted either accidentally or maliciously, and in prolonged GNSS unavailability, these critical services stop functioning.
The reliance on GNSS for precision timing, and the consequent vulnerability of our essential services prompted InnovateUK to commission a report published by London Economics in June 2017. It estimated the impact on the UK economy of a five day GNSS outage at £5.2B. That message is becoming widely understood and is creating a demand for timing solutions that are not GNSS dependent. The next generation miniature atomic clock arising from this project fulfills this need and will find widespread application in precision timing for mobile base stations, network servers for financial services, data centres, national power distribution networks and air traffic control systems.
Further applications arise in areas where an independent timing reference is needed on mobile platforms and especially in areas where no GNSS signal is available. A high performance compact clock would benefit a range of useful capabilities, addressing civil and military applications, bringing both technical and economic gains for the UK.
Partner names
- Cardiff University
- Altran UK
- Alter Technology Tuv Nord UK
- Compound Semiconductor Centre
- Integrated Compound Semiconductors
- University of York
- Npl Management
- Leonardo Mw
- Hcd Research
Funded value
£4,450,251
Total funding period
November 2018 – September 2021
Qfoundry
Project summary
The QFoundry project, funded via UK Research and Innovation, aims to deliver a national open-access quantum semiconductor device foundry and create the foundations for robust, scalable component manufacture in the UK to enable the scaling of a quantum technology system industry.
Applications:
- Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) for commercial grade atomic clocks and atomic magnetometers
- Single-photon emitters and detectors for quantum communications, computing, imaging and sensing applications.
Partner names
- Compound Semiconductor Centre
- Amethyst Research
- Bay Photonics
- Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult
- CSconnected
- Cardiff University
- Integrated Compound Semiconductors
- IQE
- Microchip Technology Caldicot
- National Physical Laboratory
- Toshiba Europe
- National Epitaxy Facility
- University of Cambridge
- University of Sheffield
Funded value
5,777,425
Total funding period
Sept 2020 – August 2023
MAGV
Abstract
This project is funded via UK Research and Innovation. Quantum magnetometers optically monitor the interaction between alkali-metal-atoms and an external magnetic field and detect the change in electron spin due to the magnetic field being applied. This allows the detection of micro-defects in materials and objects that are not visible or hidden from view.
The MagV project will deliver the World’s first commercial miniaturised rf atomic magnetometer that can operate in unshielded environments allowing general use and wide deployment.
Primary applications have been identified in consultation with an extensive Industry Advisory Board, who have defined industry challenges driving the need for miniaturised-RF-quantum-magnetometers as novel sensors within non-destructive testing.
The project brings together substantial research on quantum magnetometers with route to commercialisation through established VCSEL supply chain partners and an end-user to maintain UK leadership in quantum technologies.
Partner names
- Innovate UK
- Sivers Photonics
- Cardiff University
- Tata Steel UK
- Inex Microtechnology
- Compound Semiconductor Centre
- NPL Management
- University of Nottingham
Funded value
£1,869,569
Total funding period
July 2020 – December 2022
QUDOS
Abstract
This project is funded via UK Research and Innovation. The sensing, processing and transport of information is at the heart of modern life, as can be seen from the ubiquity of smart-phone usage on any street. From our interactions with the people who design, build and use the systems that make this possible, we have created a programme to make possible the first data interconnects, switches and sensors that use lasers monolithically integrated on silicon, offering the potential to transform Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by changing fundamentally the way in which data is sensed, transferred between and processed on silicon chips. The work builds on our demonstration of the first successful telecommunications wavelength lasers directly integrated on silicon substrates.
The QUDOS Programme will enable the monolithic integration of all required optical functions on silicon and will have a similar transformative effect on ICT to that which the creation of silicon integrated electronic circuits had on electronics. This will come about through removing the need to assemble individual components, enabling vastly increased scale and functionality at greatly reduced cost.
Partner names
- University College London, United Kingdom (Lead Research Organisation)
- CompoundTek Pte
- Hunan University
- University College
- Eblana Photonics
- Compound Semiconductor App. Catapult
- aXenic
- Rockley Photonics
- IQE Silicon Compounds
- ADVA AG Optical Networking
- Compound Semiconductor Tech Global
- Santec Europe
- IMEC
- III-V Lab
- Airbus Defence and Space
- Microsoft Research
- QD Laser
- Photon Design
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- University of Glasgow
- Leonardo
- Newport Wafer Fab
- Gooch and Housego
- II-VI Compound Semiconductors
- Michelson Diagnostics
- CEA-LETI
- Bright Photonics BV
Funded value
£6,123,268
Total funding period
November 2020 – October 2025
Strength in Places Fund
CS Connected – Integrating Research Excellence with our unique regional supply chain in advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing
Project summary
This UKRI Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) project, led by Cardiff University, is building on regional strengths in advanced semiconductor materials and manufacturing. It will give the UK a global advantage in technology for sectors such as 5G communications and autonomous vehicles. Key collaborative research and development (CRD) programmes:
- Next generation optical communications and sensing
- Large Scale GaAs-based wafer manufacturing
- Novel and efficient CS Wafer Fabrication Tools
- Advanced processes for 5G and EAV systems.
Partner names
- IQE
- Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult
- Rockley Photonics
- SPTS Technologies
- Swansea University
- Microchip Technology Caldicot
- Newport Wafer Fab
- Microlink Devices
Funded value
£14,249,762
Total funding period
November 2020 – May 2025
ASSET
Project summary
The ASSET project (Application Specific Semiconductor Etching Technology) is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and funded by Welsh Government’s Smart Expertise programme. The Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC), backed by Cardiff university and global CS chip manufacturer IQE, will partner with a host of Welsh organisations to find new applications for CS devices – from autonomous vehicles to clean energy, future mobility, Artificial Intelligence, biosensors, wearable sensors and advanced packaging.
The ASSET industrial partners provide globally leading technologies which go into almost all the world’s leading smartphones. By developing a host of new semiconductor process technologies, ASSET will develop these technologies for Compound Semiconductors and next generation semiconductor materials, to service new emerging applications in automotive sensing, 5G, photonics and healthcare.
Partner names
- SPTS Technologies
- IQE
- Compound Semiconductor Centre
- Biovici
- BioMEMS
- Cardiff University
- Swansea University
- Integrated Compound Semiconductors
Funded value
£1.3m
Total funding period
August 2019 – July 2022
ATLAS
Project summary
ATLAS is a Welsh Government ‘SMART Expertise’ programme with a total value of £1.8M. The Smart Expertise award offers financial support to innovative collaboration projects that require a range of expertise to solve industry problems, focusing on commercialisation of new products, processes or services and growth in capacity and capability to deliver Welsh economic impact.
ATLAS has an indusrty focus and aims to enhance the manufacturing capability of compound semiconductor (CS) lasers. The funding aims to allow low-cost, energy efficient manufacturing in high-volume production, bringing benefits to science and industry. The project will work closely with companies across South Wales specialising in the application of compound semiconductors for modern telecommunications.
Partner names
- Compound Semiconductor Centre
- IQE
- SPTS
- Rockley Photonics
Funded value
£1.8m
Total funding period
January 2021 – December 2022