Professor Robert Young FHEA
ProfessorResearch Overview
My primary focus throughout my research has been on the nascent field of Quantum Information Processing. Currently quantum cryptography, the exploitation of the laws of quantum mechanics to guarantee secure communication, is the only commercial QIP application to exploit individual quanta. In this regard QIP is little more developed than digital communication was following the invention of Morse code. I think that QIP will change the role of information in our lives, in much the same way that digital information has.
Please visit for information about the commercialisation of my research.
PhD Supervision Interests
We are seeking a PhD student for a project that combines cutting edge material science, quantum physics and information security, to drive a major evolution in physical security systems. Recently-discovered two-dimensional materials, with extraordinary physical properties extending well beyond those of graphene alone, will be the active component in the devices studied. They act as a near ideal interface between light and electronics, allowing information exchange between the two with unprecedented fidelity. The elegant access to quantum mechanics afforded by these devices will be applied to securing connections between the devices making up the Internet of Things, which are predicted to exceed 50 billion in just a few years. In this experimental project you will be trained to use state-of-the-art facilities in the Quantum Technology Centre at Lancaster to test develop quantum security devices using graphene-like materials incorporated into photonic devices. You will be taught to use nano-fabrication tools to prepare the devices for integration with embedded systems. Working with a GCHQ-backed centre of excellence in cyber security you will test the devices you create. The far-reaching goal of this project is for you to commercialise the technology through a spin-out company, Quantum Base, which focuses on quantum security systems. Please email me or see qopto.com/join/ for more details.
Selected Publications
Roberts, J., Bagci, I.E., Zawawi, M.A.M., Sexton, J., Hulbert, N., Noori, Y., Young, M., Woodhead, C., Missous, M., Migliorato, M.A., Roedig, U., Young, R.J. 10/11/2015 In: Scientific Reports. 5, 8 p.
Journal article
Choi, I., Young, R., Townsend, P. 06/2011 In: New Journal of Physics. 13, 6, 13 p.
Journal article
Young, R.J., Stevenson, R.M., Hudson, A.J., Nicoll, C.A., Ritchie, D.A., Shields, A.J. 23/01/2009 In: Physical review letters. 102, 3, p. -. 4 p.
Journal article
Stevenson, R.M., Young, R.J., Atkinson, P., Cooper, K., Ritchie, D.A., Shields, A.J. 12/01/2006 In: Nature. 439, 7073, p. 179-182. 4 p.
Journal article
Young, M.P., Woodhead, C.S., Roberts, J., Noori, Y.J., Noble, M.T., Krier, A., Smakman, E.P., Koenraad, P.M., Hayne, M., Young, R.J. 1/11/2014 In: AIP Advances. 4, 11, 6 p.
Journal article
All Publications
01/10/2023 → 30/09/2027
Research
01/10/2023 → 30/09/2024
Research
01/07/2022 → 31/03/2024
Research
01/01/2022 → 31/12/2022
Research
01/04/2021 → 31/03/2022
Research
01/01/2021 → 31/03/2022
Research
01/11/2020 → 31/03/2021
Research
30/09/2020 → 30/11/2021
Research
29/11/2019 → 28/05/2021
Research
15/08/2019 → 14/11/2022
Research
01/03/2019 → 31/05/2021
Research
01/11/2018 → 31/10/2019
Research
01/10/2017 → 30/09/2021
Research
01/10/2017 → 31/03/2021
Research
01/07/2017 → 30/11/2018
Research
01/07/2017 → 31/03/2020
Research
01/10/2016 → 31/12/2016
Other
14/08/2016 → 31/12/2019
Research
01/01/2016 → 31/12/2016
Research
01/04/2015 → 31/03/2016
Research
01/04/2014 → 30/09/2022
Other
01/01/2013 → 31/12/2016
Research
01/10/2012 → 30/08/2017
Research
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Prize (including medals and awards)
Fellowship awarded competitively
Prize (including medals and awards)
Fellowship awarded competitively
Prize (including medals and awards)
Prize (including medals and awards)
Quantum Nanotechnology
Quantum Nanotechnology
Quantum Nanotechnology
Quantum Nanotechnology
Quantum Nanotechnology
- Cyber Security Research Centre (Physics)
- Quantum Nanotechnology
- Quantum Technology Centre
- Security Lancaster
- Security Lancaster (Academic Centre of Excellence)
- Security Lancaster (Systems Security)