The UK’s National Physical Laboratory: Delivering quantum precision to industry

With over 100 years of measurement innovation, and over 100 people dedicated to quantum technology, the UK’s National Physical Laboratory is a world leader in innovative science. But there’s a twist. Although there is plenty of scientific research taking place - at a level equivalent to any leading research institute - the NPL’s primary goal is to support British industry. As such, the Quantum Metrology Institute, the organization within the NPL responsible for quantum technologies, is at the cutting edge of developing deployment-ready quantum tools & techniques.

The scope of the QMI’s work spans the entire spectrum of quantum technology ranging from atomic clocks, timing & frequency technologies through to magnetic and gravity field sensors and trapped ion and super conducting quantum computers.  Working closely with the UK’s national quantum program hubs and industry gives QMI’s director, Rhys Lewis, a unique perspective on the current state of the market for quantum technology.

“We ran a research project in early 2018 to learn where industry was with quantum. How ready were they, and what did they want from us? We’ve used those findings to guide our work.” 

A key piece of feedback was that industry required concrete proof of value, rather than simply proof of concept. How could quantum technologies improve on current processes and techniques, and could that be demonstrated? 

“Enterprises wanted real, practical examples, framed in industry, as opposed to scientific, language,” says Rhys.

 “Some of the early wins around quantum for industry will come from timing technologies, and gravity sensors,” explains Rhys. “Although these may not be as ‘sexy’ as quantum computing, the benefits for industry are very tangible. For example, small atomic clocks being used to synchronize communications or transport networks. Also, where GPS is not available or is risky, critical infrastructure for example, atomic clocks provide real benefits. Quantum gravity sensors on the other hand can be used for speeding up survey work for building sites. These could provide enormous wins for players in those industries.”

Other industrial use cases being actively developed for quantum sensors are instruments for early corrosion detection in insulated pipes, and, potentially, the ability to detect mineral deposits beneath the earth’s surface. 

“We also do plenty of work in quantum computing, around trapped ion technology as well as super conducting technology,” says Rhys. “At present it’s sensible to explore both approaches. The technologies are too nascent to choose one over the other.”

“With our considerable expertise in measurement technologies, we are particularly focused on helping overcome some of the scalability issues that arise with superconducting quantum computers.”

A further critical role that the NPL plays is in building the quantum workforce, both through developing new talent, as well as reskilling existing talent with quantum capabilities.

“We support the creation of skills to support this industry, not simply through new graduates versed in these techniques, but also in providing training to our existing workforce in quantum skills.”

Building confidence within the industrial and investor base is always key with emerging technologies that may not be quite market proven yet. With NPL running such state of the art quantum science test and measurement capabilities, and a tightly coordinated approach with the UK National Quantum Technologies programme, it’s easy to see why Britain has such a respected position within the quantum technology marketplace. And why industry is so eagerly anticipating the emerging commercial benefits of this technology.