4 minute read
The UK’s first OptiCool system has been recently installed at NPL by Quantum Design UK and Ireland. This cryogen-free magneto-optical cryostat is the newest addition to our quantum capabilities which offers a wide variety of standard and bespoke nano-optical (eg scattering-type scanning nearfield optical microscopy, s-SNOM) and magneto-optical facilities.
The combined capabilities allow an array of light-enabled measurement techniques and at extreme conditions for pure and applied research of quantum matter and devices.
This new capability underpins next-gen quantum technologies and also contributes to other critical technologies such as semiconductors, future telecoms, engineering biology, and AI.
Dr Nathaniel J. Huáng, Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator of Quantum Light and Matter, NPL, said: “Combining extreme experimental conditions and flexibilities in experiment design offered by the OptiCool system provides an exciting playground pivotal for the manipulation and study of quantum light and quantum matter. We are excited about all the possibilities in low-temperature magneto-optical spectroscopy, microscopy and transport measurements enabled by this system. This amazing new facility has already enabled the team to conduct innovative research forming international collaborations with researchers from South Korea and Japan, supported by UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund.”
Dr Qianyang Chelsey Zhang, Higher Scientist, NPL, said: “It is a privilege to be part of the team to explore the future potential of quantum light and matter. We aim to develop capabilities to drive scientific excellence in cutting-edge research. We also look forward to delivering business advantage and commercial success with companies.”
Prof Ryo Kitaura, Group Leader, National Institute for Materials Science (Japan), said: “The advanced facilities that have been installed represent a significant opportunity to investigate the intriguing exotic excited states in 2D semiconductors and heterostructures. Through a thorough understanding of the fundamental properties revealed by this facility, there is great potential to develop innovative quantum light sources.”
Dr Myunglae Jo, Assistant Professor, Kyungpook National University (South Korea), said: “As a researcher focusing on quantum electronic devices, I am thrilled about the installation of the OptiCool system at NPL. This state-of-the-art magneto-optical cryostat presents an exciting opportunity to explore the impact of optical stimuli on edge states in quantum Hall system – an area that has been challenging to study with traditional cryostats. The ability to perform transport measurements under optical access will enable novel investigations and expand our understanding of quantum matter. I look forward to leveraging this unique capability in collaboration with the NPL team to drive groundbreaking research in this field.”
Dr Luke Nicholls, Technical Sales Manager, Quantum Design UK and Ireland, said: "We are thrilled to introduce our first OptiCool system in the UK at NPL. The groundbreaking research conducted by the Quantum Light and Matter team exemplifies the power, versatility, and precision of the OptiCool platform in advancing metrology and quantum technology studies. This installation marks a significant milestone in expanding the reach of our innovative cryogenic solutions. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with NPL to further enhance the instrument’s capabilities and to support demonstrations for researchers and institutions interested in leveraging OptiCool for their cutting-edge scientific endeavours."
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13 Mar 2025