Centre for Quantum Materials and Quantum Technologies

Delivering advanced quantum materials and quantum technologies for the next generation

The Centre for Quantum Materials and Quantum Technologies (CQMQT) at Adelaide University is dedicated to the research and development of quantum materials, quantum devices and quantum systems. Quantum materials make use of the extraordinary effects of quantum mechanics to give rise to special properties. These unique properties can be exploited to deliver devices that have advanced capabilities in telecommunications, defence and medical sciences.

The CQMQT focuses on three primary device and system themes: quantum sensing, quantum communications and quantum photonics. Going beyond conventional technologies, we actively engage in the dynamic evolution of emerging technologies. By teaming up with field experts, innovative companies and institutions, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology.

“We are now on the cusp of a second quantum technology revolution, with the hope and expectation that research in quantum materials will deliver revolutionary technologies for next-generation communications, navigation, computing, cybersecurity and biomedicine.”

Professor Glenn Solomon, Centre Director and Chair of Quantum Materials

Explore our research

Going beyond conventional technologies, we actively engage in the dynamic evolution of emerging technologies.

Engage with us

By teaming up with field experts, innovative companies and institutions, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology.

Explore the Centre for Quantum Materials and Quantum Technologies

Research capabilities Research capabilities
Research impact Research impact
Our people Our people
Our partners Our partners

At CQMQT, our research focuses on three primary device and system themes: quantum sensing, quantum communications and quantum photonics.

Key areas of focus

Accelerated Quantum Material Discovery – including semiconductors, superconductors, insulator materials and doped optical glasses, with engineering quantum confinement, emergent correlations and nonlinear optical properties.

Ultrawide bandgap UV photonics – emitters, detectors and modulators

Ultrawide bandgap power electronics – power amplifiers, transistors and power diodes

Integrated quantum photonics, single photon sources, nanoscale solid-state spin qubit, modulators and detectors

High-power, high-temperature, mechanical wear-resistant and ultra lightweight devices and sensors

Integrated technologies for biological processes, food sciences and agriculture.

Infrastructure

Adelaide University offers cutting-edge semiconductor infrastructure, boasting unique Molecular Beam Epitaxy Semiconductor crystal growth capacity, comprehensive cleanroom fabrication facilities and expertise in material, electrical and optical characterisation.

MBE semiconductor crystal growth capacity

One of the world's largest and most modern university initiatives:

Including Silanna’s effort: 4 nitride and oxide-related semiconductor systems
3 Physics III-V (arsenide) systems
140 m2 Physics Crystal Growth lab.

Cleanroom fabrication

Semiconductor Class 100, 1000 and 10,000 cleanroom space outfitted for wet processing and 10 nm resolution lithography.

Materials characterisation

4 crystal X-ray diffraction, atomic-force microscopy.

Electrical and optical characterisation

Variable to 4K Hall measurements, variable-temperature CV measurements, etching CV measurements.

Research on quantum materials brings together scientists working on grand challenges at the frontiers of physics, materials science and engineering:

Improving security and efficiency in commerce

Through quantum devices and systems, improved efficiency and functionality will enhance commerce and provide new levels of security.

Future industries

Quantum materials and quantum technologies will be at the central core of Australia’s future industries and jobs.

Sustainable energy and resources

Quantum materials are the building block of new electronics and photonics with ultra-high efficiency and high energy storage, leading to more efficient power networks with lower emissions.

Secure Australia

Quantum materials offer new potential for surveillance and reconnaissance, bio-security sensors, enhanced navigation and enhanced cyber-security that will safeguard Australia from risks.

Health

Quantum materials offer the potential to deliver tools that will enhance health for all through creation of new sensors for personalised and preventative biomedical diagnostic health services.

Quantum Australia

We are proud to be a key partner in the newly established Quantum Australia, an initiative spearheaded by the University of Sydney and funded by an $18.3 million federal grant. This centre is set to revolutionise the quantum technology landscape, driving innovation and economic growth in Australia.

Quantum research holds immense potential for groundbreaking technologies with profound economic and strategic implications. The establishment of Quantum Australia aims to foster strategic relationships across industry, research and government to drive the commercialisation of quantum technologies. This initiative is expected to generate billions of dollars in economic value and create thousands of jobs by 2030 while supporting Australia’s national security objectives.

Silanna

We have partnered with global technology powerhouse Silanna Group and the South Australian Government to set up picoFAB and Q FAB at Adelaide University. These advanced laboratories allow the designing and engineering of new semiconductor materials at the level of individual atoms.

Located at Adelaide University Campus East, picoFAB brings world-leading capability to South Australia, not least to the quantum materials, sensing and communication research at the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), enabling precise engineering of new semiconducting crystal structures for use in the commercialisation of new and innovative semiconductor devices.

With over $25m in new facilities, Silanna is currently leading the development of the next (4th) Generation Gallium Oxide Semiconductor materials in Adelaide, which opens up the deep UV to the mid-IR spectrum.

Learn about and connect with our highly experienced data science experts.

Professor Glenn Solomon

Centre Director and Chair of Quantum Materials
Email: glenn.solomon@adelaide.edu.au

Meet the team

Dr Ruth Shaw: Chief Operating Officer, ARC TC CE-QuTech
Associate Professor Abel Santos
Professor Heike Ebendorff Heidepriem
Associate Professor Andy Boes
Professor Nelson Tansu*
Professor David Lewis
Associate Professor Yan Jiao
Dr Giuseppe Tettamanzi
Professor Andre Luiten*
Petar Atanackovic: CEO, Silanna
Professor Mark Hutchinson: Director, IPAS
Mr Piers Lincoln: Manager, IPAS

*Partners in Quantum Australia, bringing together the Australian quantum sector.

Our partners include:

Quantum Australia
Silanna

Adelaide University’s defence stakeholders include:

DSTG · Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group
Defence Chief Information Officer Group
Deputy Secretary Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group
Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation
Australian Signals Directorate
US Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Direction générale de l’armement, France
BAE Systems Australia
Lockheed Martin Australia
Boeing Defence Australia
Dassault-Systèmes
Australian Submarine Corporation
Naval Group (France)
Raytheon
Inovor Technologies
Defence Teaming Centre
Electro Optic Systems

The University is also a founding member of South Australia’s Defence Innovation Partnership.

Contact us

Centre for Quantum Materials and Quantum Technologies

Enquiries can be directed to:
Professor Glenn Soloman at glenn.solomon@adelaide.edu.au, or
Dr Ruth Shaw at ruth.shaw@adelaide.edu.au.

Location
Centre for Quantum Materials and Quantum Technologies
Adelaide University
Physics Building, City Campus, Adelaide SA 5095

Email:
glenn.solomon@adelaide.edu.au or ruth.shaw@adelaide.edu.au