The University of Birmingham has partnered with Paragraf, a UK-based graphene technology company, to explore the potential of graphene sensors in quantum computing. Funded by a £1.4 million ($1.71 million USD) Innovate UK grant and a £2 million ($2.44 million USD) UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, the collaboration aims to scale up the production of graphene on six-inch wafers and investigate its properties at ultra-low temperatures, a critical requirement for quantum computing applications.
Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, offers unique electrical conductivity and strength, making it a promising material for quantum computing. However, challenges in manufacturing at scale and cryogenic testing have hindered its adoption. The partnership will address these challenges, leveraging Birmingham’s expertise in low-temperature testing and nanotechnology, alongside Paragraf’s capabilities in mass-producing graphene-based electronics.
Dr. Matthew Coak, leading the research at Birmingham, emphasized the novelty of cryogenic testing for practical graphene devices, while Paragraf’s Research Director, Dr. Natasha Conway, highlighted graphene’s potential as a key enabling technology for quantum computers. The collaboration also aims to develop new 2D materials and electronic devices, positioning the UK as a leader in advanced materials innovation.
For additional details, you can view a press release posted on the University of Birmingham’s website here.
January 10, 2025
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