Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Developing Solid-State Rydberg Quantum Sensors
Agreement Number:
1038683
Agreement Value:
$568,480.00
Agreement Date:
Jan 28, 2026 - Mar 31, 2028
Description:
Higher Rydberg states of atoms are an important quantum technology platform due to their giant absorption cross-sections and long lifetimes: they are exceptional in terms of their sensitivity to broadband electromagnetic fields. Rydberg quantum sensor implementations to date are based on gas phase alkali atoms, presenting a challenge for integration. A solid-state Rydberg quantum sensor would facilitate integration, compactness and low power consumption. Rydberg states in solids are termed excitons. Recently discovered high Rydberg excitons in semiconductors such as Copper (I) Oxide Cu2O offer a powerful route to all-solid-state quantum sensing technologies. Challenges which must be addressed include impurities, defects and temperature effects. Through an advisory collaboration with the Helmholtz Joint Laboratory in Ottawa and the Canadian industrial partner Quantum Valley Ideas Labs (QVIL) in Waterloo, the Project will develop a globally unique platform, based on time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy, to directly characterize high Rydberg excitons in semiconductors, paving the way to a new generation of solid-state quantum sensor devices.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Location:
Ottawa, Ontario, CA K1N 6N5
Reference Number:
172-2025-2026-Q4-1038683
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
119278877
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Ottawa
Federal Riding Name:
Ottawa--Vanier--Gloucester
Federal Riding Number:
35081
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
NAICS Code:
541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences