Quantum Technologies Enabled by Additive Manufacturing (QTEAM)

Project Story

Challenge

Quantum gravimeters depend on ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, pumping and magnetic trapping hardware. For space applications, all of these had to become much lighter, more compact and more power-efficient. The UK also had no established AM supply chain for these quantum components.

Approach

Metamorphic applied its expertise in computational and mechanical design for AM, multi-physics simulation, and AM materials and processes. The project focused on three areas of innovation: new design methods for additively manufactured UHV systems; novel, highly efficient active and passive pumping methods; and optimised magneto-optical trapping using non-standard 4D magnetic field distributions that vary non-separably in time and space.

Solution

The geometric freedom of AM made radical solutions to key technical challenges in quantum technology possible. The resulting UHV systems were suited to a new “ultra-portable” phase of quantum devices for space.

Outcome

QTEAM helped establish a UK-based AM supply chain for quantum technologies. This positioned the UK at the forefront of ultra-portable quantum devices.