Quantum Tech Pod Episode 72: Andrei Dragomir, Aquark Technologies
May 15, 2024
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Andrei Dragomir, CEO of Aquark Technologies, discusses cold atom technology advancements, like 'super molasses' and gravity cameras. Aquark aims to miniaturize quantum devices for real-world applications. Also, learn about their involvement in the NATO DIANA initiative and future workforce training in quantum technology.
Aquark Technologies focuses on miniaturizing cold atom quantum devices for real-world applications like sensing and computing.
The discovery of 'super molasses' by Aquark simplifies cold atom technology, enabling groundbreaking projects like the Gravity Array for quantum gravity sensing.
AQUARK successfully demonstrated trapping cold atoms on a drone for sensing applications, showcasing robustness and resilience in extreme environmental conditions.
Deep dives
The Goal of AQUARK Technologies and Cold Atom Technology Applications
AQUARK Technologies, led by Andre Dragameer, aims to revolutionize quantum devices based on cold atom technology by enhancing their size, weight, power, and cost. The company's focus on taking this technology from the lab to real-world applications has led them to create the smallest plug-and-play cold atom quantum device, comparable in size to a matchbox. AQUARK's participation in the NATO Diana accelerator program, receiving funding and establishing a cutting-edge facility in Southampton, UK, underscores their commitment to accelerating the development and adoption of these systems for sensing, computing, and communications purposes.
The Discovery of Super Molasses and the Gravity Array Project
AQUARK Technologies made an accidental breakthrough in discovering a super molasses system that eliminates the need for a quadrupole magnetic field in cold atom technology, simplifying and advancing miniaturization efforts. This discovery prompted the Gravity Array project, a collaboration with the University of Birmingham, focusing on groundbreaking atom cloud generation for quantum gravity sensing. By leveraging the technology's power efficiency and unique approach, AQUARK envisions creating a 'gravity camera' comprised of multiple sensors for efficient and extensive underground monitoring based on gravity signals.
Trapping Cold Atoms on Drones for Sensing Applications
AQUARK's successful demonstration of continuously trapping cold atoms, suitable for sensing applications, on a drone marks a groundbreaking achievement. The technology, miniaturized to fit a shoebox size, was attached to a drone and tested in extreme environmental conditions, showcasing its robustness and effectiveness, even surviving drops from the sky. The system's resilience to mechanical noise, facilitated by the super molasses trap's design, reflects the expertise of the team in engineering and innovation, ensuring its practical deployment for various sensing needs.
Participation in the NATO Diana Accelerator Program and Future Technology Applications
AQUARK's involvement in the NATO Diana accelerator program signifies a pivotal milestone, highlighting their dedication to bridging civilian and defense innovations for transformative impact. The program, focusing on dual-use technologies, aims to expedite the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in defense and civilian applications. By partnering with global defense entities and leveraging the program's support and opportunities, AQUARK is poised to advance quantum technology deployment, addressing critical defense needs and advancing societal connectivity and innovation.
Strategic Talent Recruitment and Collaborations for Quantum Technology Advancements
AQUARK Technologies prioritizes talent development and strategic collaborations as key drivers of success in the quantum technology field. The company's approach involves nurturing new talent through internships, university partnerships, and educational initiatives to train individuals in various roles, from science and engineering to business development. By fostering a multidisciplinary workforce encompassing quantum expertise and business acumen, AQUARK aims to empower innovation and propel quantum technology advancements in a dynamic startup environment.
My latest Quantum Tech Pod with Andrei Dragomir – Co-Founder and CEO of quantum company Aquark Technologies is live!
Andrei grew up in Romania in a house with a scientific focus: his mother is a professor of physics, and his father is an engineer.
He remembers as a kid going to his mom's lab after school, where his toys of choice were the devices lying around—the optics, the lasers, the electronics.
He moved to the UK to study, and for the first two-thirds of his PhD at the University of Southampton, he focused on microfabrication and vacuum science rather than quantum physics.
Aquark Technologies was spun out of the University of Southampton in 2021 to develop the world’s smallest plug-and-play cold atom quantum device.
Andrei and I discussed recent developments in cold atom technology, including the invention of “super molasses,” which simplifies miniaturizing and mainstreaming this technology. One application is a “gravity camera,” which can scan large areas simultaneously and monitor long-term gravity signatures.
The company has been selected for the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) initiative, a NATO-funded accelerator program.
Aquark aims to miniaturize quantum devices for multiple real-world applications, such as sensing, computing, and communications, leveraging cold atom technology.
Check out my wide-ranging conversation with Andrei!
The “Quantum Tech Pod” podcast, hosted by Christopher Bishop from Inside Quantum Technology, offers a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of quantum technology. Christopher, an industry expert, engages with leading figures in the field, discussing the latest developments, breakthroughs, and challenges in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and cryptography. The podcast is an informative platform for experts and enthusiasts, providing insights into how quantum technology shapes the future and its implications across various industries. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about quantum technology, “Quantum Tech Pod” delivers engaging conversations illuminating this cutting-edge field.
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