I am currently in the final year of the PhD Translational Quantum Technology programme, and I’m focussing on developing integrated photonic circuits to help miniaturise quantum sensors.
For my industrial placement, I worked at Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global (CSTG) which is a semiconductor company based in Glasgow. Here, I worked with Dr Iain Eddie, Senior Device Design Engineer, on an Innovate UK funded project, developing lasers for atomic clocks. I greatly enjoyed working in an industry environment, and I found that translating research into applications to be hugely motivating and exciting.
My PhD research is similar to the work I undertook at CSTG, so this placement has been highly beneficial for me. A lot of companies look for industry experience so I’m glad to have this, and I have since had companies contact me with job opportunities through LinkedIn.
Being part of the Quantum Technology Hub community means that you’re able to get involved in end-user applications arising from scientific research, which is a great opportunity.