Today at the Cambridge Graphene Centre, the QAMSS lecture series welcomed Dr Olga Kazakova of the National Physical Laboratory for a wide-ranging talk on the measurement science underpinning next-generation quantum technologies.
In her lecture, “Quantum Technologies,” Dr Kazakova outlined how rigorous benchmarking and metrology are becoming central to the transition of quantum systems from laboratory demonstrations to deployable infrastructure. She discussed advances in superconducting-circuit benchmarking and parametric amplifier metrology; critical tools for assessing and improving the performance of quantum processors. She also highlighted defect imaging techniques that enable researchers to identify and mitigate materials imperfections that can limit device coherence and stability.
A key theme of the talk was validation and trust. Dr Kazakova described new approaches to quantum algorithm validation and the development of trustworthy machine-learning tools designed to support scalable quantum technologies. As quantum systems grow in complexity, she argued, robust standards and transparent verification methods will be essential to ensure reliability and interoperability across platforms.
The lecture also showcased recent contributions to ion-trap architectures and quantum networking, alongside precision calibration methods for single-photon detectors. These capabilities are vital for secure communications, distributed quantum computing and advanced sensing applications.
Throughout, Dr Kazakova emphasised the foundational role of measurement science in enabling the UK’s quantum ambitions. By establishing standards, assurance frameworks and high-precision calibration techniques, her work supports the creation of high-performance, interoperable systems ready for real-world deployment.