European research institutes develop advanced SQUID
NANOMAGIQC investigated the development of advanced Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). The project involved a heavy exchange of materials and ideas between research institutes in Europe, the United States and Australia, benefiting all parties involved. For example, tests with a brand new adiabatic demagnetisation refrigerator at the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL) led to recommendations to CSIRO in Australia to improve its nanodevice manufacturing processes. Efforts were made by the English and Spanish colleagues to reach the cutting edge of SQUID technology by developing a miniature SQUID capable of measuring mesoscopic (S=10) spin. Although this threshold was not attained during the project, several tangible, valuable results were achieved. The first is the creation of the first British e-beam nanofabrication laboratory and the requisite training of its staff by experienced professionals. Other benefits include the strengthening of ties between organisations both within and outside the European nanotechnology research community. The complementary nature of the collaboration also extended to the IST project clusters in which NANOMAGIQC was involved. The NPL and its partners have established themselves as frontrunners in this exciting field. Furthermore, the progress made by the NANOMAGIQC participants in maturing their technology now puts them in a position to challenge for projects with high profile clients like the European Space Agency.
