Explore our high-profile work through media engagement, as well as opportunities to study and work with us in Materials Physics
By: Rebecca Bond
Last updated: Monday, 5 July 2021
The Sussex Programme for Quantum Research (SPQR) has launched a brand new website. Take a virtual wander to see all the latest news, events and videos from the programme as well as a host of current projects and applications of quantum technologies taking place at the University of Sussex.
The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaborations with quantum physicists across schools, departments and industry with a focus on real world applications.
Director of the programme, Professor Peter Krüger, said: “Interdisciplinary research is key to our work here. We want to inspire collaborations between disciplines. Our quantum physicists are working with, amongst others, doctors, engineers, psychologists and materials scientists.
“We have built this new website to expand our collaborations and further our work in using quantum science for human centred and sustainable applications. One such project is our work with industry partner CD02 on using quantum sensors on electrical vehicle batteries.
“Our door is open to build new partnerships, so please do get in touch.”
Further information: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/quantum/
Our work on nanosheet-stabilised emulsions demonstrates that 2D materials (including graphene and molybdenum disulfide) confer emulsion stability and network conductivity at volume fractions as low as 10⁻⁵. Emulsions can be deposited as inks for functional thin films which preserve droplet structure and eliminate the notorious coffee ring effect, highlighting the potential for printed single-droplet devices.
This work has been made open access, which you can read here: Nanosheet-Stabilized Emulsions: Near-Minimum Loading and Surface Energy Design of Conductive Networks
Did you know that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Brighton are among the highest in the UK? NO2 is an air pollutant that originates from combustion engines and industrial processes. Long-term exposure to NO2 can cause respiratory issues, which can be particularly severe and even life-threatening for babies and asthma sufferers. We have developed a laser deposited carbon aerogel gas sensor with exceptional selectivity towards NO2.
Watch the BBC South East news report below or read more about our research here: Sussex scientists develop air quality sensor that could save the lives of babies and asthma sufferers.
Using a combination of graphene and silver nanowires we have developed an optically transparent, flexible touchscreen technology, eliminating the need for glass smartphone screens. Current touchscreen technology requires rare-earth alloys which are extracted by mining, making them unsustainable and expensive. This graphene technology would significantly reduce the cost of smartphone screens while improving their durability and flexibility.
Watch the BBC South East news report below or read more about this technology here: Sussex physicists have breakthrough on brittle smartphone screens
We have developed highly sensitive breathing monitors out of a simple mixture of oil, water and graphene. These are a cheap, non-intrusive alternative to the current technology, with potential to alert parents of any change to their child’s breathing via their smartphone, potentially preventing seizures and cot death, which sadly affect hundreds of families each year.
Watch the BBC South East news report below or read more about this life-saving technology here: Potentially life-saving ‘health monitor’ technology designed by University of Sussex physicists
To usher in the next industrial revolution based on nanotechnologies, there’s a high demand for nanoscientists. As a graduate, you’ll be ready for industry roles in fields such as:
You’ll also be well equipped to take a research degree in physics, chemistry, biology or engineering.