UK NPL and DSIT Delegation Visits KRISS

- Strengthening Collaboration in Quantum and Semiconductor Fields between Korea and the UK -

▲ Group photo with the UK NPL and DSIT delegation

On November 12, 2024, a delegation of 14 members, including researchers from the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL*), the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT**), the Alan Turing Institute (ATI***), and representatives from the Korea Development Institute (KDI), visited the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS).

 

 * NPL: National Physical Laboratory (Established in 1900, the UK's National Metrology Institute)

 ** DSIT: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (The UK government department responsible for science, innovation, and technology)

 *** ATI: The Alan Turing Institute (Founded in 2015, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence)

 

The UK NPL and DSIT delegation visited Korea as part of the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP*), a project led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and executed by the Korea Development Institute (KDI). The purpose of their visit was to strengthen bilateral research cooperation in key technology fields, including quantum technology, semiconductors, and AI. Their visit to KRISS specifically focused on discussions regarding collaboration in the quantum and semiconductor sectors.

 

 * KSP (Knowledge Sharing Program): A program organized by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and carried out by KDI. It supports the economic and social development of partner countries based on Korea's development experience. The program is currently promoting cooperation with advanced countries such as the UK, Australia, and Spain, in line with the government’s economic cooperation strategy.

▲ Overview of research in the quantum field (sensing/materials)

KRISS introduced its ongoing research in the quantum field to the UK NPL and DSIT delegation. Dr. Jae Hoon Lee from the Atomic Quantum Sensing Group provided an overview of quantum sensing research at KRISS, including work on ytterbium atomic optical lattice clocks and quantum gravimeters (Atom-based Quantum Sensing at KRISS). Following this, Dr. Suyong Jung, Head of the Material Property Metrology Group, presented the group’s research on quantum materials, including key topics such as Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), Thermoelectric Force Microscopy (ThFM), Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy (SSRM).

▲ Quantum Field Discussion Session

Following the discussion session, the participants explored in detail the principles behind quantum research, as well as plans for commercialization and standardization. The delegation then visited the Material Property Metrology Group and the Atomic Quantum Sensing Group laboratories to continue their discussions.

▲ Quantum Field Lab Tour

Research collaboration in the semiconductor field was also addressed. KRISS shared its latest research on 2D semiconductor materials and next-generation vacuum materials, and engaged in a thorough exchange of opinions on the standardization of these fields and their industry-driven research.

▲ Semiconductor Field Discussion Session

NPL plays a crucial role in the UK’s National Quantum Technology Programme, providing technical measurement capabilities and expertise to support a wide range of industries, from small businesses to large corporations. In addition, NPL established the Quantum Metrology Institute in 2023, where it conducts research in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum vision, quantum sensing, and imaging.

 

The UK NPL has expressed its commitment to continued collaboration in the quantum field, including two planned visits to KRISS within this year. They have proposed adding topics related to quantum measurement standards and measurement standards for quantum technologies to the existing MOU between the two institutions. It is expected that this visit will further strengthen the research collaboration between KRISS and NPL in both the quantum and semiconductor fields.