Like all technologies, new quantum devices rely critically upon materials, both at the heart of the quantum system and also in the surrounding infrastructure required to meet the often demanding environmental requirements.

While the materials of interest include so-called quantum materials such as superconductors and topological insulators, the needs for the quantum system may be met by more conventional materials, especially those that reduce the environmental demands such as cryogenic temperatures. The surrounding infrastructure also relies upon more traditional expertise to develop materials to solve bottlenecks by providing low-loss, decoherence-resilient substrates while maintaining strong quantum coupling at low cost. 

All of this activity is supported by theory and simulation, characterisation, processing and the fabrication of prototype devices for testing. This requires the active engagement of a large community of researchers hitherto disconnected from quantum technologies. There is highly relevant complementary expertise in the “Atoms to Devices” theme of the Henry Royce Institute (co-championed by Imperial) and materials researchers across College have expertise in molecular materials, superconductors, solid state defects, 2D materials, semiconductors and photonics, as well as material deposition, vacuum systems, interfaces and membranes, low-noise and thermal systems.