Single-Photon Workshop delivers high-impact training for industry and academia

A recent workshop organised by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the University of York at the STEM Learning Centre, York provided a unique opportunity for users of single-photon technology to build practical skills and deepen their understanding of measurement techniques. 

The workshop was supported by funding from the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with additional support from the European Metrology Network for Quantum Technologies. 

Thirty-three registered participants (15 from industry, 1 from government and 17 from academia) attended the three-day workshop in York which provided training and skills in the fast-advancing field of single-photon technology. It covered theoretical and practical aspects of measurements at the single-photon level through a combination of lectures, demonstrations and in-person experiments, and was designed primarily for industry and particularly those new to single-photon technology, or in need of a refresher. Researchers and graduate students working in government and academia were also welcome.  

Lectures in the mornings were open to graduate students, attracting 31 additional attendees. Expert contributions came from NPL, the University of York, the National Metrology Institutes of Germany (PTB – Stefan Kück), Italy (INRiM – Alice Meda) and the United States (NIST – John Lehman) and measurement company, Swabian Instruments GmbH. Demonstrations and experiments took place in the afternoons. 

The workshop which had overwhelmingly positive feedback, was co-organised by Hub investigators Christopher Chunnilall of NPL and Marco Lucamarini of the University of York. It was conceived by Christopher after being inspired by the ‘<Q|School Single Photonics Short Course’ course run by the University of Colorado and NIST, and was brought to fruition at the STEM Learning Centre in York with enthusiastic support and contributions from members of Marco’s Experimental Quantum Communications Group. 

Contacts: christopher.chunnilall@npl.co.uk, marco.lucamarini@york.ac.uk