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The development of Molecular Beam Epitaxial (MBE) growth techniques for self-assembled quantum dots at Cambridge University has led to the creation of electrically driven, compact single-photon and entangled-photon sources, and their demonstration in quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. This highly-cited work has led to significant recent investment in R&D in this area by Toshiba, one of the world's leading microelectronics companies, influencing company policy to the highest levels. It has stimulated world-wide interest in quantum information technology, in government institutions and companies from start-ups and SMEs to multinationals.
This case study describes public engagement with the University of Oxford's research in Mathematical Physics via the popularization of science through the writings, public lectures and media appearances of Sir Roger Penrose. Published in 2010, Penrose's book Cycles of Time deals directly with the research contributions and has reached broad audiences via books, public lectures, TV appearances, and YouTube postings. The impact has been to engage large numbers of the public with modern theories of the origin of the universe in a mathematically non-trival way.
This case describes the impact of Professor John D. Barrow's research into the value of the cosmological constant and the constants of physics. The impact occurred through extensive engagement with the public via talks and public lectures, online talks and articles, newspaper and magazine articles, books and radio broadcasts. The engagement led to widespread public interest and increased public discourse in the UK and beyond, the impact being especially strong in Italy. The research has inspired young people, teachers and the general public internationally to follow cosmological developments.
Thousands of exhibition visitors, public lecture-goers, readers, school students and TV viewers have been encouraged to explore areas of number theory and mathematical physics as a result of public engagement initiatives in four countries by University of Bristol academics. Lay people's encounters with the Bristol scientists have also changed their view of mathematics, mathematicians and the nature of their work.
Audiences have been reached through the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in 2011, a science fair in 2012, an award-winning Japanese TV documentary made in 2009, popular lectures given between 2008 and 2013 and contributions to popular science books.
Research on quantum mechanics, chaos and the Riemann Hypothesis is very appealing to members of the general public who have an interest in popular science. Bristol research ties these areas together. Its dissemination through various media has captured public attention internationally and inspired non-mathematicians to consider the mysteries addressed by mathematical research.
Nanoco, is a University of Manchester spin out company having a current market capitalisation of £384m (31/7/2013). Nanoco's proprietary processes enable, for the first time, commercial quantities of high-quality quantum dot nanoparticles, free of toxic heavy-metals, to be manufactured economically — for incorporation into next-generation displays & solar-cells."
As a result of its world-leading disruptive technology, Nanoco has, in the REF period, forged down-stream global business partnerships that have generated around £11m revenue, creating 95 jobs with Nanoco (at a cost of over £3m/year), substantial secondary employment in the supply chain, and underpinning technology to enable the delivery of more energy-efficient electronic devices.
The research on the use of single source precursors in quantum dot synthesis undertaken by Professor Paul O'Brien in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College between 1994 and 1999 resulted in papers and a patent which led to the formation of Nanoco Group PLC, currently a world-leader in the supply of quantum dots (QDs). Quantum dots have applications in backlighting for LCD displays, LED general lighting and thin film solar cells. Nanoco was listed on AIM on the London Stock Exchange in 2009 and by January 2013 Nanoco employed 78 people, had annual revenue of £3 million, and had signed agreements with several major companies in the US and Japan including Dow Chemical, Osram and Tokyo Electron.
This study describes two atomistic methods that have been used to explain better the behaviour and improve performance of materials. The research at Loughborough University from 2006-2013 has led to improved awareness and understanding in the areas of thin film growth and in irradiated structural materials for nuclear power. It has also led to changes in the operational models that Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) use. One of the algorithms developed has been incorporated into standard quantum chemistry packages, due to its increased accuracy and efficiency. The outcomes of the research have also contributed to changing UK government policy with regards to working with India in the area of nuclear research.
In collaboration with film-maker Brady Haran we have developed the YouTube channel Sixty Symbols to present topics related to research in physics to the wider public. Since the 2009 launch of Sixty Symbols we have posted 212 videos, which have amassed 21.2M views, over 200k comments, over 266k subscribers and a content approval rating of 99.4%, placing Sixty Symbols in the top 0.01% of all YouTube channels. The success of Sixty Symbols led to commissions from Google and STFC for the launch of additional science-focused YouTube channels, and to the formation of the company Periodic Videos Ltd by Brady Haran (2011). Quantitative evidence gathered by management consultants, O'Herlihy & Co, demonstrates Sixty Symbols' global reach, and significant impact on the attitudes, scientific understanding and career aspirations of its audience. Overall the impact has been on society, culture and creativity through the promotion of public engagement and discourse on science and engineering, and through educational use in schools.
Euclid is a new M-class satellite selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to study the dark universe, which will exploit fundamental "Baryon Acoustic Oscillations" research originally performed at Portsmouth. The construction of Euclid is underway, overseen by Portsmouth scientists, with several millions of pounds already spent on research and development within UK university laboratories and industry (e2v), already with economic impact. By the time Euclid is launched, 606 million euros will be spent across UK and European industry (Thales, Astrium) providing significant economic impact as well as societal impact.
Research in the Microelectronics Group of the Cavendish Laboratory in the area of single-electron nanoelectronics, quantum computing and spintronics has been exploited by Hitachi, one of world's leading microelectronics companies. Research breakthroughs made in the Cavendish have defined Hitachi's R&D directions in quantum computing and spintronics, led to several Hitachi product developments and influenced senior Hitachi strategic decision makers regarding the future of computing.