Stand-off trace detection of chemicals in vapour, liquid and condensed phases in real world cluttered and environmentally varied conditions has a range of applications, e.g. oil & gas security & defence and environmental services. Optical detection methods are the most promising solution as they can offer highly sensitive, non-destructive and remote sensing capabilities. Practical systems must be eye safe, compact format, highly sensitive and have an imaging capability. Laser-based, hyperspectral sensing and imaging in the infrared (3-12 µm) offers these benefits but with current technology, the detection limits are too low to address all market requirements. Recently, an active, coherent laser spectrometer that meets these needs was developed by the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) and has been developed into a prototype at M Squared Lasers Ltd (MSL). Although the practical elements have been demonstrated there are significant improvements possible in the detection algorithms. Heterodyne IR imaging produces significant volumes of data at high repetition rates that must be interpreted in real-time. Coupling this with inherent changes in intensity and alteration of spectra from heat, moisture and background interferents make this a challenging task. Spectral deconvolution is a niche field in which a unique skill set spanning spectroscopy, programming and photonics is required to tackle the task effectively. MSL have found it hard to source a candidate with the computer programming expertise in search and fitting algorithms and with the practical background in experimental spectroscopy to effectively design and implement a real-time spectroscopic deconvolution method. To meet this innovation opportunity MSL needs to overcome barriers to recruitment by widening its recruitment pool from UK to EU and increasing visibility. This project provides the framework to overcome these barriers and deliver the envisaged project results and impacts.

Almost from its discovery there have been grand hopes for Raman spectroscopy to be an ubiquitous tool for chemical analysis. It has the potential to identify substances easily and distinctly from fingerprint-like spectra. This can be done with simple photonic architecture, allowing for potential portable and miniaturised form factors. Unfortunately the overwhelming fluorescence background common to all analytes obscures the weak Raman signal and thus makes this dream unrealised. Finally wavelength modulated Raman spectroscopy (WMRS) represents an innovative solution that delivers fast, fluorescence-free Raman spectra. WMRS has a wide range of potential applications in the healthcare industry from discriminating between cancerous and healthy tissue, to determining drug concentrations in biological liquids and identifying the presence of inflammation and infection. To realise this innovative development MSL require a ‘biophotonics engineer’ that has the correct specialised skills to carry out this development which are not currently available at MSL. MSL is looking to develop WMRS into a novel biophotonics tool capable of revolutionising Raman spectroscopic analysis. The aim of this project is to develop an innovation programme centred on WMRS for biological analysis. However, to realise this innovative development MSL require a ‘biophotonics engineer’ that has the correct specialised skills to carry out this development which are not currently available at MSL. This includes experience and knowledge across photonics development, biological analysis, Raman spectroscopy and programming. To meet this innovation opportunity MSL needs to overcome barriers to recruitment by widening its recruitment pool from UK to EU and increasing visibility. This project provides the framework to overcome these barriers and deliver the envisaged project results and impacts.

Quantum technologies (QT) are at the brink of revolutionising the world in many areas of our everyday lives. With parallels to the replacement of analogue with digital electronics in the late 20th Century, quantum devices will supersede digital in the future, leading to dramatic improvements in the capabilities of key technologies and industries. These include gravimeters (earth observation; military; prospecting), atomic clocks (satellite-free navigation; finance) and computing/secure communications (banking; military). Having played a vital role in shaping the global scientific QT landscape for the last 10 years, M Squared Lasers (MSL) is well placed to lead commercial developments at the heart of a European QT supply chain. Building on a track record of translating novel science into demanding markets, MSL will develop QT components, subsystems and integrated devices that will enable a wide range of applications. Starting with components and subsystem development (in line with the EU Quantum Manifesto), MSL will become increasingly vertically integrated as the QT initiative progresses. MSL have developed a first iteration magneto-optical trap that is ready to be developed into a stable atom interferometer and to conduct gravity measurements. With this project MSL aim to develop an innovation programme on the commercialisation of a gravimeter. To realise these goals MSL needs to recruit a high calibre engineer who has first hand experience in developing quantum technologies and in depth knowledge of cold atom physics and quantum mechanics. MSL has found it hard to recruit the necessary niche specialist skills in quantum technology development required. To meet this innovation opportunity MSL needs to overcome barriers to recruitment by widening its recruitment pool from UK to EU and increasing visibility. This project provides the framework to overcome these barriers and deliver the envisaged project results and impacts.