Colloidal quantum dots for quantum memory

The Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information at the University of Bristol

David Binks, a Professor of Physics at The University of Manchester was awarded an M4QN laboratory exchange award to visit Prof Ruth Oulton at the University of Bristol. The visit took place from the 22 – 23 March 2026.

The purpose of the visit

David visited Prof Oulton’s group for discussions and to plan a set of cryogenic photoluminescence measurements of individual colloidal quantum dots containing single dopants atoms using the experimental capabilities at Bristol. This visit resulted in an action plan to prepare the quantum dots onto suitable substrates for the measurements, which would then be sent to Bristol for measurement. Discussions also took place on potential future joint grant applications in this area

Benefits to the UK materials and quantum community

The purpose of this visit was to forge a new research collaboration between David’s group at the University of Manchester and the group of Prof Ruth Oulton of the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs, University of Bristol. This collaboration will be interdisciplinary, combining expertise in the development of a novel quantum material in Manchester with the complementary know-how in quantum engineering and quantum optics at Bristol. These initial measurements will demonstrate the potential of these singly doped CQDs as a quantum memory platform and hence support future grant applications and commercial exploitation. This interaction will also broaden the experience of postdocs and PhD students at both institutions, supporting the development of the next generation of quantum technology researchers.

Visit outcomes

The main outcome was a plan for some photoluminescence on individual singly-doped quantum dots, which is expected to lead to a publication. The measurements will also act as a demonstration of the capabilities of these dots, which will support future grant applications and commercial applications.