The Quantum Collective - James Gates

The Quantum Collective: The people behind the science

As a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, James Gates is at the forefront of the UK's rapidly evolving quantum computing landscape. With a career that spans the early days of quantum research to the cutting-edge developments of today, James' work is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of quantum technologies.

Growing up in a family of boating and motorbike enthusiasts, James developed a keen interest in engineering from a young age. His path to quantum computing, however, was not a straight line. As an undergraduate, James ran an ice cream company, which he describes as "the biggest ice cream mobile traders in the South Coast." It was a family business, and James was involved in every aspect, from driving the vans to building and maintaining the specialised ice cream machines. These experiences honed his problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex challenges.

After completing his studies, James found himself drawn to the world of academic research. He returned to the University of Southampton in 2005, where he began a postdoc fabricating photonic circuits for single-photon quantum systems in collaboration with Ian Walmsley's group at Oxford. "I got into the crazy world of quantum tech," James recalls, "before quantum tech existed."

I got into the crazy world of quantum tech before quantum tech existed!

Today, James applies his skills to projects related to photonics and quantum technologies. When explaining to non-experts what he does, "I tell people that I make lasers, optical fibres, quantum computers and quantum sensors," he says. "That's normally enough to put them off asking any more!"

But for those who do ask more, James is happy to elaborate. His work involves developing enabling technologies for quantum computing, such as low-loss photonics for quantum networks, which could enable secure communication and distributed quantum computing. He also works on precision machining of materials like silicon, silica and sapphire for use in quantum devices.

One of James' newest research projects is the development of ultra-low-loss ring resonators, which have applications in quantum sensing and communication. In collaboration with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), James is working on fabrication techniques to create these delicate structures, which can trap light for extended periods and enable highly sensitive measurements.

"Being involved with NQIT and QCS has been fantastic," James says. "It's the network aspect of it and being involved, making those links and finding out what problems people have." As an example he explains, "We wouldn't have come across the stuff we're doing with [Oxford physicist and QCS Hub member] Peter Leek if we hadn't been involved."

Leek's group at Oxford is working on superconducting quantum devices, and James has been able to apply his expertise in precision machining to help solve a key challenge they were facing. This was the simple but critical problem of drilling holes through a silicon wafer without damaging the superconducting components. "it was a roadblock to the fabrication of their devices, but we were able to provide enabling technology," he explains, demonstrating neatly the way that collaboration within the Hub brings benefits to research across multiple disciplines.

These collaborations are not just academically rewarding for James; they also have real-world impact. His work on precision diamond machining of non-linear waveguides, funded in part by NQIT and QCS, has led to the growth of Southampton spin-out company Covesion from just six people to over 30. Covesion's main products, fibre-coupled wavelength conversion modules, are used in quantum technologies for applications such as atom cooling and ion trap systems. "It's absolutely critical," James says of the link between research and industry. "That's what gets me up in the morning."

Southampton University is a particularly exciting place to be working on quantum technologies. "There's nowhere else in the country, or in Europe, that has the facilities that we have here," James explains. "The building I'm in has over £200 million worth of equipment dedicated to microelectronics and photonics." He particularly values the funding from QCS and NQIT for capital equipment, which has enabled the development of cutting-edge technologies and the growth of spin-out companies. The unique combination of state-of-the-art facilities and targeted funding puts James and his colleagues at Southampton in a prime position to drive the advancement of quantum technologies in the UK.

In addition to his research, James is also involved in training the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. He helps lead the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at Southampton, which will welcome its first cohort of students in late 2024. The CDT will provide students with broad training in quantum technologies, from fundamental principles to the engineering challenges of building practical devices.

If I can assist in the building of a quantum computer and it can start to answer some of those hard questions, then I feel that that's a good epitaph on my gravestone!

Outside of his work you might find James sailing his yacht in the Solent, rock climbing with his kids, or even working as an amateur beekeeper. Sadly he doesn't currently have any active hives at the moment though. He explains that "unfortunately all three hives died over the winter, which is a bit of annoying - it was the first time that's ever happened. Normally I have between two and six, and in the past even up to nine hives." But he's already planning to start anew, moving his hives to a warmer location that he hopes will be more bee-friendly.

Looking to the future, James is excited about how quantum computing may potentially allow us to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges, from medicine to materials sciences and energy production. "If I can assist in the building of a quantum computer and it can start to answer some of those hard questions, then I feel that that's a good epitaph on my gravestone!"

He also observes though that "what you're absolutely guaranteed of, is [quantum computing] will do something which we never even thought of. If you look back in history, that's always what happens". "You're never going to perceive what it is going to come up with, what it's going to do in the long term". But with the support of the QCS Hub and the wider UK quantum community, he is confident that the future of quantum computing is bright.