M Squared Lasers has opened a new quantum research facility in the University of Strathclyde’s Inovo building in Glasgow City Innovation District (m2lasers.com).

This will enhance the company’s ability to compete world-wide in the commercialisation of quantum technologies.

It will focus on the development of new technologies that take advantage of atomic-scale physics, including quantum sensors for measuring gravity and acceleration, quantum clocks and quantum computers.

Derek Mackay, the Scottish government’s finance secretary, was recently given a tour of the facility by M Squared co-founder and CEO Graeme Malcolm.

He was shown a variety of equipment that the company is using and developing, including: the UK’s first commercial quantum gravimeter, which measures tiny variations in the Earth’s gravitational field caused by underground objects; the UK’s first commercial quantum accelerometer, which measures how an object’s velocity changes over time (and could allow navigation without relying on satellites); a strontium lattice atomic clock; and an advanced laser system for quantum computing.

Mr Mackay said: “I am pleased to officially open the new M Squared Quantum Centre at the University of Strathclyde.

“This centre builds on Scotland’s existing photonics capability and signals our intent to become a significant player in the development of quantum technologies that will benefit our economy.”