Menu
Close
Sign up for NPL updates
Close
Sign up for NPL updates

For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Quantum technologies

Quantum sensors

We are harnessing quantum science to create next generation devices

NPL is making use of the macrosocpic quantum properties of superconductivity to develop sensors capable of detecting a wide range of physical parameters at or beyond the quantum limit. The research is based on a range of different Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) aimed at detection of single spins, photons, charged particles and molecules.  We are also employing this technology in two UKRI funded fundamental physics projects, to search for dark matter and to measure the mass of the neutrino.

Contact us

Our research

Exploring superconductivity's quantum potential innovative SQUID sensors unveil hidden physical realms in NPL's cutting-edge research projects.

Ion traps

Our ion traps are at the heart of future quantum computing

Solid state sensors

We are developing quantum sensors to enable single quantum particle detection, as well atomic scale mass sensing, femtometre displacement and sub-piconewton forces

Quantum sensors

We are developing quantum sensors to enable single quantum particle detection, as well atomic scale mass sensing, femtometre displacement and sub-piconewton forces

Our projects

Our services

We work with manufacturers of quantum devices to ensure reproducible and standardised processes, and provide test and evaluation to accelerate and increase confidence in quantum products. We are also helping industry commercialise and deliver quantum technologies and new devices. 

NPL’s nanoprobe facilities enable the characterisation and imaging of physical and chemical properties on the nanoscale.  

Nanoprobe facilities and consultancy

Case study

Characterising vapour cells for ultra-accurate atomic clocks

Article

Case study

Independent verification of novel heart disorder diagnostic device 

Article

Case study

Revealing new markets for graphene sensors

Article

Our resources

We have a large number of freely-available publications by our team. Search our comprehensive list of resources.