Aquark Technologies: Unlocking the quantum future

Advances in quantum physics are set to push the boundaries of future technologies, revolutionising some of the world’s biggest markets.

Unlike modern electronics, which rely on the manipulation of electrons, quantum devices tap into the potential of new physics exploring tiny energy levels of atoms and sub-atomic particles.

Miniaturised atomic clocks, quantum computers, navigation systems and other quantum sensors are being developed for a near future in which quantum technology will drive dramatic improvements in many aspects of day to day life.

Physicist Dr. Andrei Dragomir, part of the Quantum, Light and Matter (QLM) Group at the University of Southampton, is pioneering research in the heart of this burgeoning industry and has founded startup company Aquark Technologies to open up new possibilities in the field.

His group has developed a miniaturised cold atom system that vastly reduces the size of a core component of quantum technology.

“We will turn these incredible but complex devices into simple to use, plug-and-play systems, starting by establishing ourselves as market leaders in the miniaturisation of vacuum technology, atom sources and electronics,” he explains.

“There has been a surge of investment in bringing these quantum technologies to market. Over $1.5 billion was recently invested in North America in early stage development of quantum technology infrastructure, whilst in Europe there are 20 companies that have raised over $150 million in the past five years.

“However, most of this investment is directed toward software development and very little towards hardware components. Whilst these devices do perform better than their classical counterparts, they depend on cold atom systems which occupy large spaces, are complex, power hungry and require expensive qualified personnel to operate them. This creates a tremendous engineering challenge for the commercial application of quantum devices and is the major obstacle preventing wider adoption.”

After years of research, physicists at Southampton have transformed the current complex, power-intensive systems into a miniaturised vacuum chamber.

The device can accomplish all the tasks of the conventional system for a fraction of the weight, size and power requirements.

“This ground-breaking technology will power a miniaturised cold atom system that will unlock the commercial potential of quantum technologies, creating new market opportunities and bringing this amazing next level of technology to users,” Andrei explains.

Demonstrations of the technology have miniaturised the entire system into a device that is comparable in size with a match box.

Aquark technologies is seeking mentors, advisors and investors and industrial partners who can help the team achieve their ambitious aims to deliver the ground-breaking potential of quantum technologies. You can get in touch with the team using the contact form on this page.

Aquark’s enabling technologies build upon Andrei’s doctoral thesis, ‘Cold atoms in your pocket’, which focused on the construction of these miniaturised vacuum chambers, the study of the anodic bond and the manufacturing of integrated electric feedthroughs, together with the development of new cold atom trap geometries.

“The emerging generation of quantum devices will revolutionise countless industries, including computing, civil engineering, telecoms, oil and gas, and semiconductors,” Andrei says.

“Aquark Technologies is positioned at the heart of this step change, as we can achieve for quantum technology what miniaturising transistors did for semiconductors and so power the continued growth of this emerging industry.”

You can find out more about Aquark Technologies at their website aquarktechnologies.com