Our Research
Engineering the Future at the Atomic Scale
Engineering the future at the atomic scale. The EPSRC Programme Grant Materials Engineering for Advanced Devices (MEAD) is a five-year collaboration between the University of Manchester, University of Leeds and Imperial College London, beginning in September 2026. MEAD will develop the next generation of advanced electronic, optical and quantum devices by engineering materials with single-atom and isotopic-level precision.
Modern technologies rely on materials whose properties can be controlled at the smallest possible scales. As devices become more complex, the ability to place atoms, control isotopes and manage strain with precision becomes essential. MEAD addresses this challenge by developing engineered devices that provide exceptional performance and offering a realistic route towards scalable fabrication.
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We are developing the world's most advanced materials for quantum computing applications. Our breakthrough in creating highly 28Si enriched silicon - achieving residual 29Si concentration down to 2.3 ± 0.7 ppm - represents a critical advancement in qubit coherence times. This ultra-pure silicon forms the fundamental building block for scalable quantum computers.
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We are pioneering room-temperature MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) devices that operate without magnetic fields. Our "maser-in-a-shoebox" achievement demonstrates a portable, plug-and-play device that fits within a shoebox-sized form factor while delivering -5 dBm peak power output.
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We are exploring topological insulator materials like Bi₂Se₃ for their unique quantum properties. Through advanced deposition techniques and careful engineering of heterostructures, we are developing materials with topologically protected surface states for next-generation quantum devices.
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We are advancing terahertz frequency technologies and hot electron harvesting at planar metal-semiconductor interfaces. Our work includes developing THz quantum cascade lasers that enable wireless communication systems with two orders-of-magnitude increases in data rates.
Our Key Research Areas
MEAD benefits from the advances made by the NAME programme grant. These include the highlights outlined below.
