Lab exchange grant: Single M-IR detection materials and devices

Robert Simpson and Kevin Huang working on their EPSRC Single Photon detector proposal.

Robert Simpson, an Assoc Prof at the University of Birmingham was awarded an M4QN laboratory exchange award to visit Kevin Huang at the University of Southampton. The visit took place from 2-3 March 2026.

The purpose of the visit

The visit enabled Robert to share his ideas with leading materials experts at the University of Southampton. It enabled a two-way knowledge exchange which included preparing a grant application, and discussing opportunities for M-IR detection with collaborators in the ORC at the University of Southampton.

Benefits to the UK materials and quantum community

The two-way knowledge exchange and finalisation of a collaborative EPSRC Standard Mode grant application consolidated UK–partnerships with research objectives aligned to national quantum priorities.

It enabled those involved to identify emerging materials relevant to single photon sensing and reinforce connections between materials science, photonics, and quantum research communities, thus supporting M4QN’s goal of a connected ecosystem.

Visit outcomes

Robert was enabled to understand the capabilities in advanced nanoscale fan and characterisation at Southampton. This understanding will enable his future research direction. It also provided him with new academic and industrial contacts.

Overall, the visit enhanced coordination in quantum materials innovation for single photon sensing, while delivering a tangible outcome in the form of a major collaborative funding proposal.