International Exchange Award: Low temperature measurement learning in Stockholm University

Yongyu Zou, a PhD student at the University of Glasgow was awarded an M4QN international exchange award to visit Prof. Vladimir Krasnov at Stockholm University. The visit took place from 17-29 March 2026.

Low temperature measurement learning in Stockholm University

During the visit to Prof. Krasnov’s research group and laboratory, Yongyu spent two weeks conducting low-temperature transport characterization measurements. This experience provided valuable hands-on training in experimental techniques and deepened their understanding of device performance under varying thermal conditions.

Yongyu learned how to operate a cryostat system, including safe procedures for loading samples and managing the cooling-down and warming-up processes. Through these experiments, Yongyu measured the transport properties of the device across a range of low temperatures, gaining insight into its electrical behaviour and stability.

In addition to the practical skills acquired, the visit also offered an opportunity for in-depth discussions with members of the group. They analysed the limitations and defects of the device and identified possible sources of performance degradation. These discussions were particularly helpful in refining Yongyu’s understanding of device physics and experimental challenges. Furthermore, constructive suggestions were made on how to improve the design and fabrication of the device. These recommendations will be highly valuable for optimizing future experiments and enhancing device performance.

Benefits to the UK materials and quantum community

This visit contributes to the UK materials and quantum community by strengthening expertise in low-temperature transport characterisation, which is essential for understanding and optimising quantum materials and devices. In particular, high-temperature superconducting materials play a critical role in quantum technologies, offering potential advantages in scalability, reduced cooling requirements, and improved device performance. Gaining hands-on experience with cryogenic measurement techniques enhances the capability to evaluate such materials under relevant operating conditions.

The knowledge exchange during the visit also supports the broader UK research ecosystem by fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices in experimental methods. Insights into device limitations, defect mechanisms, and measurement strategies can be transferred back to UK-based research groups, accelerating progress in material development and device engineering.

Furthermore, the visit aligns closely with the aims of the Materials for Quantum Network. Reliable quantum networks require high-performance materials with well-characterised transport and coherence properties. By improving understanding of material behaviour at low temperatures and identifying pathways for device optimisation, this work contributes to the development of more robust and scalable quantum components, such as superconducting interconnects and quantum sensing elements.

Overall, the visit strengthens both technical capability and collaborative links, supporting the advancement of quantum materials research and helping to bridge the gap between fundamental material studies and practical quantum network applications.

Visit Outcomes

Yongyu held discussions with Prof Krasnov around whether normal diluted gold etch is enough for their material wet etch and also discussed the importance of the contact between the crystal and the metal electrode. Yongyu will optimise the sample with the suggestions made during this visit and will look to visit the lab again in 6-9 months.