Quantum Helium Atom Microscope project presented at UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2023

Published on

The University of Liverpool participated with its own exhibition stand at the recent UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2023, organised by Innovate UK and EPSRC  in collaboration with the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (UKNQTP). The exhibition, held on November 2, 2023 at the Business Design Centre (BDC), brought together academic researchers, technology developers and end users to share their latest advancements and explore the future of this transformative field.

The QUASAR Group at the University of Liverpool Physics department showcased its research on the quantum Helium Atom Microscope (qHAM). The Group has recently carried out proof-of-concept studies into an optimised jet design for a high-resolution quantum helium atom microscope. A custom-built atom sieve was successfully used to generate a quantum helium gas jet with a micrometre focus. This novel design now forms the basis for a compact, high resolution, high contrast and tabletop surface imaging microscope with superior imaging capabilities.

qHAM showcase at the National Quantum Technologies event.

The underpinning technology was originally developed for use with low energy antiproton beams and most recently adapted for gas jet profiling for the high luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. The aim is for qHAM to redirect this technology at microscope applications.

The University of Liverpool's participation in National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2023 was a resounding success. The university's research fellow Dr Narender Kumar had the opportunity to share his work with a UK and global audience and the project attracted a high level of interest from potential collaborators.

The QUASAR Group at the University of Liverpool is committed to playing a leading role in the development of its quantum Helium Atom Microscope (qHAM). The Group is continuing to invest in qHAM’s technology development by applying for UK and European research and development funding and seeking partnerships with companies that are interested in developing and testing the microscope system in their own application environments. The QUASAR Group is interested in collaborating further in joint R&D to enhance and improve the microscope’s capabilities particularly in the application areas of bio-medical, material science and biochemistry and is open to collaboration in other areas as well.

If you would like to find out more about our work on qHAM, please contact:

Constantinos Astreos, c.astreos@liverpool.ac.uk, +44 (0)151 795 7837