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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SQP (Bringing to Market the Single Quantum Photondetector)

Teaser

Summary

A wide range of practical applications require detection of very low levels of light, as low as a single photon. Until a few years ago detecting single photons could only be done with very low efficiency and extremely high noise, making these devices very impractical. Developing tools to acquire images at the highest sensitivity is one of the most compelling industrial activities. The ultimate sensitivity is the detection of one single photon, a particle of light. The challenge is the low energy of a single photon and existing technologies suffer from efficiencies, high noise and poor time resolution.

Single Quantum commercializes a completely new and promising light detection technology developed at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Our technology is based on nanoscale superconducting structures able to detect single photons, the elementary particle of light. Single Quantum provides scientists developing quantum technologies with the highest performance light detectors since its creation in 2012. Emerging quantum technologies hold great promise for future communication, computation and sensing. Following a global trend, the European union is launching a quantum technologies flagship to turn European fundamental research into concrete business opportunities, confirming the rise of nano and quantum technologies as an industrial game changer.

The objective of this feasibility study is to identify and evaluate several opportunities to bring our detection technology to a wider range of users and applications. Because our single photon detectors are the most sensitive light sensors ever made, they are very relevant in all applications where very low light levels are involved. We have concluded that there is a strong potential market for sensitive imaging with superconducting detectors.

Work performed

We took part in several conferences and approached key potential customers who are currently limited by light detection performances under very low intensities. We interviewed them about the needs and requirements. From our study of potential new customers, we identified three market segments where our detectors can add most value: bio-imaging, microelectronics failure analysis and lidar. We also defined precise technical requirements and studied the technological feasibility along with new fabrication strategies. We have made a strategy for handling intellectual property, market regulations, freedom to operate and additional marketing. We have also determined the costs of this business plan. In addition we met with investors and defined the first steps towards financing our ambitious development.

Final results

During this project we have explored the sensitive imaging market for applications for Single Quantum photodetectors. We received valuable feedback and identified the needs and required developments for our product. We have made a business plan to engage three market segments. We encountered a number of unmet needs that can be fulfilled with Single Quantum`s photodetectors. For centuries people have been developing new tools to make images at higher resolutions. Single Quantum`s photodetectors represent a disruptive step forward in image acquisition, yielding a large impact on society.