The UW QT3 Facility is set to launch in Winter 2026, offering a unique space for hands-on engagement with quantum computing. Designed to be an open and collaborative environment, the facility welcomes not just students but external researchers, industry professionals, and curious minds eager to explore the field. Through interactive learning opportunities and direct access to cutting-edge quantum technologies, the QT3 Facility aims to foster innovation and interdisciplinary discovery. Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved!
The Visible Quantum Light Microscope (VQLM) is a confocal microscope designed for the analysis of light from single quantum emitters at both room and low temperature. Capabilities include confocal imaging, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and photon purity measurements (g(2)). Combined with a specialized mount which must be provided by the user, the microscope can also be utilized for optically-detected magnetic resonance at room temperature.
Excitation sources:
532 nm DPSS continuous wave laser with 0-5 mW power.
NKT Photonics SuperK Chromotune pulsed excitation with spectral coverage from 400-1000 nm, 5 nm bandwidth.
Detectors:
Excelitas SPCM-AQ4C 4-channel silicon avalanche single photon counting photodiode array, 400-1060 nm
Single Quantum Superconducting Nanowire Single photon detectors: 2-channels optimized for 780 nm, 2 channels optimized for 650 nm, 2 channels optimized for 520 nm
Spectrometer:
Teledyne Princeton Instruments 0.75 m spectrometer with Pixis 1340x400BRX Camera. 0.02 nm resolution. Efficiency optimized for visible/NIR.
Cryostat:
FourNine SideKick Pro, base temperature 4K (shared with VQLM)
*Construction of this instrument was supported by the National Science Foundation IMOD STC center (DMR-2019444) with cryogenic positioning upgrades provided by the UW Student Technology Fee and source and cryostat upgrade provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (60NANB23D202).
(in development)
The Telecom Quantum Light Microscope (TQLM) is a confocal microscope designed for the analysis of light from single quantum emitters at both room and low temperature. Capabilities include device transmission/reflection, confocal imaging, photoluminescence spectroscopy, photon purity measurements (g(2)).
Excitation sources:
532 nm DPSS continuous wave laser with 0-5 mW power.
NKT Photonics SuperK Chromotune pulsed excitation with spectral coverage from 400-1000 nm, 5 nm bandwidth.
Santec High Performance Tunable Laser: Continuous wave, tunable laser from 1240-1680 nm.
Detectors:
Single Quantum Superconducting Nanowire Single photon detectors: 2-channels optimized for 1310-1550 nm.
Thorlabs InGaAs switchable gain amplified detector
Spectrometer:
Teledyne Princeton Instruments 0.5 m spectrometer with Nirvana InGaAs detector.
Cryostat:
FourNine SideKick Pro, base temperature 4K (shared with VQLM)
*Construction of this instrument was supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (60NANB23D202).
(in development)
The Bluefors LD250 is a He-3/He-4 dilution refrigerator with a base temperature <10 mK. The system is capable of DC, RF, and optical device measurements and contains a superconducting magnet for applying fields in up to 3 axes. Fast sample exchange is possible through a bottom-loading probe mechanism.
24 twisted pairs for DC signals (36 AWG PhBr with EM shielding)
7 SCuNi-CuNi RF lines with 20 dB attenuators at 4K, Cold Plate, and MXC
Optical fiber access through sample probe
Cryogen-free 3D vector magnet (9T-1T-1T field)
Bottom loading for fast sample exchange
(in development)
Providing nanoscale scanning probe microscopy with atomic resolution. Ideal for Cathodoluminescence (CL) Photoluminescence (PL), STM Light Emmission (STM-LE), Raman Spectroscopy.
Up to 70% light collection efficiency
Optical wavelengths from Deep UV to Far IR
Integrated parabolic mirror with in-situ 3D nanopositioners
Atomic Scale Resolution from 9K to 400K
Simultaneous SPM and optical measurements
The ASM 340 is a high-performance helium and hydrogen leak detector designed for fast, precise detection in both production and maintenance environments. It offers ultra-high sensitivity, quick response and recovery times, and flexible configurations—making it suitable for a wide range of applications from vacuum systems to industrial testing setups.
User-Friendly Design: High-resolution color touchscreen with detachable control panel for convenient handling of large parts.
Fast Operation: Response time under 1 second with a 3-minute startup at 20 °C.
Comprehensive Connectivity: Supports I/O, RS-232, Ethernet (PC), Profibus, and Ethernet-IP interfaces for versatile integration.
The Time Tagger Ultra is a high-performance, streaming time-to-digital converter designed for ultra-fast, high-resolution timing measurements in demanding research applications. Combining picosecond-level precision, real-time data streaming, and robust synchronization tools, the Ultra is ideal for quantum optics, photon correlation, and precision timing experiments.
Software and Connectivity: Includes native support for Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C#, and C++, and integrates via USB 3.0, Ethernet, or Profibus for versatile system compatibility
Low Dead Time: Minimal 2.1 ns dead time for capturing closely spaced photon events.
High-Speed Data Transfer: Streams up to 90 million time tags per second over USB 3.0, ensuring real-time data handling.
The C1209 is a compact, easy-to-use instrument that measures how radio-frequency and microwave signals behave when they pass through or reflect off electronic components. It’s precise enough for lab research but small and light enough for classroom or production use. Key Features:
Covers a Wide Range: Measures signals up to 9 GHz, from low radio frequencies to microwave range.
Small and Portable: About the size of a thick laptop (just over 12 lbs).
Simple Computer Connection: Plugs into a Windows or Linux computer via USB, using S2 software for setup and data display.
Reliable Results: Comes factory-calibrated, with optional certified calibration for extra precision.
Useful Across Projects: Great for testing antennas, cables, filters, and other components that work with high-frequency signals.
A compact, modular turbopumping station combining a HiPace 80 turbomolecular pump with an integrated MVP 015-4 diaphragm backing pump and controller in one mobile housing. Designed for clean, oil-free high-vacuum generation in lab and R&D environments.
Mobility: Compact design with transport handles and cooling ventilation
Display & Controls: Integrated LCD for vacuum and pump parameters
The SR770 is a high-precision FFT network/spectrum analyzer developed by Stanford Research Systems (SRS) for low-frequency signal analysis. It combines spectrum and network analysis capabilities in a single instrument, optimized for audio and vibration measurement, component characterization, and noise diagnostics.
Wide Frequency Range: Measures signals from less than 1 Hz up to 100 kHz, covering audio and vibration frequencies.
Built-In Signal Generator: Can create test tones or noise on its own, so you can send a signal out and immediately measure how a device responds.
Easy Data Handling: Saves results to disk, connects to computers or printers, and displays data on a built-in screen with adjustable graphs.
The laboratory is currently planning user fees in anticipation of a fall 2025 opening.