International Exchange Award: Complex glass vapour cells by additive manufacturing for quantum technology

Dr Feiran Wang was hosted by Dr Theo Scholtes at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology for collaborative research discussions on functionalised vapour cells for quantum technology.

Feiran Wang, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham was awarded an M4QN international exchange award to visit Dr. Theo Scholtes at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology. The visit took place from the 23-28 March 2026.

Complex Glass Vapour Cells by Additive Manufacturing for Quantum Technology

Feiran’s research focuses on the development of additive manufacturing (AM) approaches for fabricating alkali-metal vapour cells for quantum sensing and timing applications. By leveraging high-resolution 3D printing, he aims to realise compact, geometrically complex vapour cells with integrated optical and vacuum functionalities that are difficult to achieve using conventional glassblowing techniques. This platform enables rapid prototyping and design optimisation of atomic devices, supporting scalable and application-specific quantum technologies.

During a focused research visit to the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, they discussed potential collaborative experiments on filling additively manufactured vapour cells with cesium, including approaches to optimise the filling process, ensure vacuum integrity, and maintain device performance for quantum technology applications such as atomic clocks and magnetometers.

During the visit, they also exchanged knowledge on integrating additive manufacturing techniques into vapour-cell design and fabrication, exploring how to tailor cell architecture, material selection, and surface properties to enhance optical performance and sensing capabilities. Several promising project ideas emerged from these discussions, forming a basis for future collaboration and the continued development of AM-enabled vapour cell technologies for mutual benefit.

Benefits to the UK materials and quantum community

This visit enabled the development of a new collaborative link between Feiran’s research on additively manufactured (AM) alkali vapour cells and the expertise in alkali-metal handling, photonic integration, and device characterisation at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology. The activity directly supports the aims of the Materials for Quantum Network by advancing novel material platforms for quantum technologies and strengthening international collaboration in quantum materials research. Additive manufacturing introduces new material architectures, surface engineering strategies, and integration pathways that are not accessible through conventional fabrication, aligning with M4QN’s focus on innovative materials solutions for quantum systems. The visit has facilitated knowledge exchange and access to complementary infrastructure, and the development of joint experimental roadmaps, with such outcomes disseminated back to the UK quantum materials community through the M4QN network.

Visit Outcomes

Through these discussions and shared laboratory engagement, Feiran established new collaborative links with researchers at IPHT and defined concrete next steps for joint research activities. They agreed to establish broader opportunities for collaboration, including potential joint funding applications (Innovate UK UK-Germany Collaborative Innovation for Quantum Technologies etc), sharing of fabrication and characterisation facilities, and co-development of devices that align with the M4QN interest in advanced materials and quantum systems.