Wee-g is a precision MicroElectroMechanicalSensor (MEMS) accelerometer that has been developed at University of Glasgow. It is a spin-off from the STFC-funded gravitational-wave research activities led by Prof . Hammond. Wee-g is the world's first MEMS gravimeter, capable of monitoring Earth tides; elastic deformations of the Earth's crust caused by the tidal potential of the Moon/Sun. Wee-g also detects gravitational anomalies down to 2% of the Earth tides, due to e.g. buried tunnels, magma intrusion in volcanoes or variations in the local water table depth. Wee-g can also operate as a seismometer with signal readout up to 5Hz, allowing measurement of naturally occurring microseismic or anthropogenic (human-generated) seismic noise. There are currently four Wee-g instruments installed on the flanks of Mt Etna monitoring the seismic and gravity activity on the volcano, and we estimate the TRL is 6 (prototype demonstration in a relevant environment). This project will; make the Wee-g 10x more sensitive to seismic signals. This will enable new opportunities within the PPAN community advance the TRL of the device to 7 via extended field trials with Metatek/INGV using closed-loop magnetic feedback control, and benchmarking with current gravimeters / seismometers. Specifically, we will deploy Wee-g systems at the LIGO-Hanford gravitational-wave observatory (LHO, US) and the STFC Boulby underground mine (UK) as a broad-band seismometer/gravimeter. At LHO, Wee-g will be used in the installed seismic array to monitor low-frequency seismic noise, enabling us to better model Newtonian Noise, a limit to the operating bandwidth of current/future gravitational-wave detectors. At Boulby, Wee-g will be installed as a standalone seismic sensor, with the longer-term vision to deploy multiple Wee-g instruments to provide detailed seismic and gravitational monitoring of the underground mine. Field trials with Metatek/INGV will deploy Wee-g sensorswith industry standard seismometers/gravimeters for benchmarking. This will allow the Wee-g instrument to progress towards commercialisation via a spinout opportunity, currently under discussion at University of Glasgow; as an ultra-broad band accelerometer. Wee-g is a maturing technology and we are leaders in the field of MEMS instrumentation. The team has a CEO designate in-place for the spinout opportunity and the named researcher (Dr. Prasad) has previously been successful in selection for the iCURE programme (unable to take up the position in 2022 due to a family bereavement). Thus, we have high expectation the project will succeed in its objectives. The project is excellent value for money, with in-kind support at the level of £209k.

Quantum sensing, imaging and timing will deliver transformative advancements across multiple sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, environmental sustainability and security. These technologies make seeing the invisible possible: the inside workings of our brains, the infrastructure buried beneath our feet, the polluting gases in the air around us, the cancers lurking in our tissue or the drones in our crowded skies. These are some of the challenges we are poised to address. Our Hub in Quantum Sensing Imaging and Timing (QuSIT) brings together academic experts and industry partners, collaborating to translate cutting-edge research into tangible innovations. QuSIT will capitalise on a decade of substantial governmental and industrial investments, consolidating expertise and world-class capability from two established UK Hubs: QuantIC, specialising in quantum-enhanced imaging and the UK Sensing and Timing Hub. QuSIT will be a unified centre of excellence, providing thought leadership within the UK's quantum technology landscape, crucial to the National Quantum Strategy. At the heart of QuSIT is a world-leading and diverse team of 45 investigators, comprising both emerging talents and seasoned experts. Their impressive academic track record is complemented by a shared commitment to translating innovation from the laboratory to address real-world challenges. Our researchers have a history of licensing technology to industry and launching their own ventures. The technologies we will exploit are based on both atomic states and entangled photons to create quantum devices that sense and image otherwise invisible optical wavelengths, radio-frequencies, magnetic and gravitational fields, and exploit precision time, including: Optical wavelength translation using non-linear interferometry and non-linear optics Atom interferometry for gravity and gravity gradient sensing Waveguide optics for wavelength conversion Optically pumped magnetometers for zero and high absolute fields Metasurfaces for lightweight and compact optics Wavefront shaping for seeing through obscuration Data fusion of quantum and classical sensor data, using AI and Bayesian Inference Quantum enabled frequency sources to enhance radar systems Our approach revolves around co-creating research with end-users, fostering collaborations between academics and industry players throughout the supply chain, and rigorously testing and refining our innovations through field trials in partnership with our collaborating companies, pursuing new approaches to: Line-of-sight imaging of polluting, or toxic gases and chemicals Monitoring of brain health Screening for concealed and dangerous objects Imaging of underground infrastructure Mid-infrared, holographic microscopes for clinical diagnosis Application of precise timing for the monitoring of congested airspace The hub is supported by companies and other end-users many of which have made significant investments. These include BT, BAE Systems, Department for Transport, Great Ormond Street Hospital, National Grid, National Physical Laboratory, Ordnance Survey and Severn Trent Water. In the increasingly competitive international landscape, QuSIT will provide the vision and have the convening power required to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of quantum technology internationally, delivering accelerated economic growth and societal benefits through collaboration between academia and industry.