Case Studies

Resources are being invested globally in a race to develop practical quantum computing systems, driven by expected vastly superior problem-solving capabilities. When realised, quantum computers would have very different characteristics to ‘classical’ computers. This presents a foreseeable threat to Europe’s digital economy, as...

Current encryption methods would be easily defeated by algorithms running on a working quantum computer. In such a security environment, commercial sectors such as banking, communications and data storage will demand new encryption tools to ensure valued data can remain ‘quantum-safe’ In theory, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ...

Modern technology is producing increasingly complex devices containing hundreds of components, often fabricated by different techniques. These products may also be composed of multiple layers of different materials with nanometre-sized features, each requiring precise positioning for reliable performance. To ensure these device...

The European Commission has identified optics as a ‘key enabling technology’ essential for supporting a wide range of advanced research and cutting-edge technical industries. ICT and healthcare applications are amongst those requiring more sensitive light measurements as existing approaches reach their physical limits. Photodio...

European industry is developing ‘high value-added manufacturing’ which uses advanced techniques to generate a wide range of products which often contain novel characteristics such as 3D architecture, smart optical films or advanced coatings. These features, along with the rapidly expanding library of materials used, have caused...

Manufacturing micro-electronics, complex coatings and operating the high energy accelerators important in producing cancer therapies or used in advanced research relies on the ability to remove all gases from evacuated systems. To achieve the low operating pressures needed, it is vital that only extremely clean materials and co...