The project is concerned with the investigation of using micromachining techniques to design and realise Atom Chips. Clouds of atoms are levitated by magnetic fields above a silicon surface and guided along pathways. This is achieved by passing current through wires creating the magnetic fields. Additionally, the atoms clouds interact with photons which are brought to the atom clouds by optical waveguides. Applications are for highly sensitive interferometers, gates for quantum computers and gravity measurement sensors. MEMS fabrication techniques to be developed require to electroplate the high-current density wires on a silicon substrate and a micromirror actuated by a comb drive which is required for the optical readout. Another important aspect is the integration of optical fibres on the same chip. These fibres can be used for novel modulation techniques used in optical data communications systems.

  Our research is fundamental to the design and production of new bio-analytical devices, such as advanced micro and nano-fluidic systems, single molecule biosensors and biochips. We specialise in the use of electric field interactions with a wide range of particles and fluids, for the development of fundamental technology for analysis, manipulation and separation. Biomolecular and bioelectronic devices are being designed as analogues of semiconductor devices, with the prospect of developing radically new types of bio-computational systems. Designer biomolecules are also being used as building blocks within high-level functional devices for advanced molecular recognition and sensing devices. Multi-functional and biocompatible bioelectronic and bio-analytical devices are revolutionising medical devices and bio-medical diagnostics.