Heriot-Watt University – QPL

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory (QPL) at Heriot-Watt University is a research centre focused on semiconductor nanotechnology and quantum technologies. Our core strengths include cleanroom-based nanofabrication of semiconductor and 2D material devices; deterministic assembly of van der Waals heterostructures with controlled alignment and twist angle; and advanced optical spectroscopy of quantum emitters from visible to telecom wavelengths. We combine semiconductor processing (electron-beam lithography, plasma etching, thin-film deposition, flip-chip integration) with cryogenic quantum measurements, including dilution-refrigerator platforms and spin-based nanoscale sensing. Our laboratory integrates single-photon sources, superconducting photon detectors, and programmable optical control systems. Our intellectual property and specialised capabilities centre on automated 2D heterostructure assembly and scalable quantum light generation. The laboratory is positioned within critical technologies spanning advanced semiconductors and quantum communications, quantum simulation of correlated materials, and quantum sensing at the nanoscale.