The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK’s National Metrology Institute, providing the measurement capability underpinning the UK’s prosperity and quality of life. We provide the UK’s quantum industry with the measurement capability to enable the safe and secure development of new quantum technologies through independent test and evaluation and standards.
Visit us to find out how we can help you:
09:00 - 16:00
Exhibition
Business Design Centre, London, N1 0QH
Register for Quantum ShowcaseAt this year’s Quantum Showcase we’ll be profiling our capabilities in several technology areas:
We help shape the future of secure communications through our work with the communications focussed Quantum Technology Hubs (Quantum Communications Hub and the Integrated Quantum Network (IQN) Hub). These UK-wide collaborations are developing technologies that use quantum science to protect data and ensure privacy. We provide expert testing and evaluation to make sure these systems are reliable and ready for real-world use.
The work includes improving quantum key distribution (QKD) and random number generators, essential tools for ultra-secure networks. By supporting standards and innovation, we are helping build a strong quantum communications industry in the UK, ready to meet tomorrow’s digital security challenges.
We work across the quantum computing ecosystem from superconducting to ion trap modalities and partner with the QCI3 Hub to support the scalability challenges. Additionally, through our expertise in metrology we also support the development of assured auxiliary technologies (RF devices and photonic components) characterising these components accurately and reliably using metrology-derived measurement artefacts and techniques.
This work supports the development of more reliable and efficient quantum hardware, from simple cables to complex circuits. Through our Quantum Test and Evaluation programme we are accelerating the development of scalable Quantum Computing by providing metrology-derived, trusted test, evaluation and verification, leading to assurance in products and services and strengthening adoption.
To build reliable quantum networks, it’s essential to minimise signal loss and maximise efficiency. We help industry test and improve quantum-grade components like connectors and fibres by measuring how well they transmit quantum information. Even small imperfections can disrupt communication, our precision tools assess key factors like signal loss and beam shape to ensure top performance.
This work supports the development of secure, high-quality quantum communication systems and helps companies bring new technologies to market with confidence.
We are developing advanced quantum sensors that can detect incredibly small changes in physical forces, particles, and fields. These sensors use cutting-edge technologies like superconductivity and ion traps to explore areas such as motion, magnetism, and even dark matter.
We work with industry to ensure these sensors are reliable and ready for real-world applications, helping companies bring new quantum products to market. Our research also supports innovations in healthcare, computing, and materials science, making measurements more precise and unlocking new possibilities across many sectors.
We play a key role in developing global standards for quantum technologies, supporting innovation and market growth. By creating trusted methods for characterisation and benchmarking of critical technology, we help define performance requirements, strengthening evidence-based decision making for industry and governments. Collaborating with international bodies like ISO and ETSI, and national institutes such as NIST, we ensure UK leadership in standards development.
Current efforts span quantum computing, sensors, timing, and secure communications. These standards are vital to building confidence, enabling trade, and accelerating commercialisation in the fast-evolving quantum industry.
Explore the technologies driving the next generation of optical atomic clocks.
We are advancing compact, high-performance optical atomic clocks through innovations in cubic cavities and ion traps critical components for achieving low SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) without compromising precision. Designed for deployment beyond the lab, these systems are engineered for robustness in terrestrial and space environments.
The NPL cubic cavity is now a leading European candidate for space-based laser systems and is being integrated into upcoming ESA missions.
As the home of the UK’s most accurate clocks, we work closely with industry to accelerate commercialisation of time and frequency technologies. Our collaborations enable companies to leverage our expertise, standards, and test facilities to bring novel timing solutions to market with confidence.
Whether your focus is quantum, aerospace, or precision engineering, discover how NPL is shaping the future of Time and Frequency.