Quantum Science

Quantum science explores matter and energy at the smallest scales, where the laws of quantum mechanics govern phenomena like superposition, entanglement, and tunnelling. This domain often deals with structures at the nanoscale—between 1 and 100 nanometres (nm), or as small as one billionth of a metre (10⁻⁹ m)—where classical physics is not strictly applicable.

Historically, quantum research was constrained by the inability of conventional technology to resolve or manipulate matter at these scales. However, advances in instrumentation, such as scanning probe microscopy and high-resolution spectroscopic techniques, have enabled scientists to probe and engineer quantum systems with atomic precision. Today, quantum science is at the forefront of technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and next-generation sensing, where material performance at the nanoscale directly influences macroscopic device behaviour.

Quantum Research Applications of Hiden Analytical Instruments

Material and Interface Characterisation

Quantum devices, such as qubits, superconducting circuits, and spintronic components, depend on precise control of surface chemistry, thin-film uniformity, and dopant distributions. Hiden’s Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and Secondary Neutral Mass Spectrometry (SNMS) platforms support this need by providing:

• Depth profiling of quantum materials: Hiden’s SIMS Workstations deliver ultra-high-resolution profiling of layered heterostructures, essential for optimising superconducting films, topological insulators, and semiconductor quantum wells.
• Atomic-scale contamination analysis: Even sub-monolayer contamination can destabilise quantum states or reduce coherence times in qubits. SIMS identifies trace impurities with exceptional sensitivity, ensuring materials meet quantum-grade purity standards.
• Nanoscale imaging of quantum devices: FIB-SIMS provides 3D elemental mapping of micro- and nanoscale components, allowing researchers to track dopants in silicon qubits, study Josephson junctions, and evaluate interface uniformity in hybrid quantum systems.

Plasma Processing for Quantum Fabrication

Quantum technologies rely heavily on precision nanofabrication using plasma-based processes such as Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and Reactive Ion Etching (RIE). Hiden’s plasma diagnostic instruments help achieve the strict tolerances required for quantum devices.

• Real-time plasma chemistry monitoring: The EQP enables in-situ analysis of reactive species and radicals in plasma systems, ensuring repeatable and defect-free device fabrication.
• Process optimisation for superconducting films: By analysing plasma chemistry using the Hiden EQP series, researchers can refine and control parameters for depositing ultra-pure materials like niobium and aluminium, used in superconducting qubits.
• Plasma property measurements: The ESPion Langmuir Probe measures plasma density and electron temperature, providing data to stabilise and scale processes used in cryogenic quantum hardware manufacturing.

Gas and Reaction Analysis in Quantum R&D

Quantum material synthesis, including the growth of diamond for NV centres, epitaxial semiconductors, or rare-earth materials, demands precise gas control and reaction tracking. Hiden offers specialised solutions:

• Catalysis and surface reaction studies: The CATLAB microreactor system supports surface science research to develop catalysts for cryogenic cooling systems and advanced material growth.
• Precursor gas verification: The HPR-30 monitors precursor purity and gas delivery for ALD and Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) processes critical to quantum-grade thin films.
• High-mass species detection: With quadrupole mass spectrometers capable of analysing species up to 20,000 amu, Hiden supports nanoparticle detection and contamination control in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) quantum fabrication environments.