05 November 2024

Quantum Beam Optics (QBO) aims to bring advanced multilayer neutron optics technology to the international market. Neutron optics is used in a wide variaty of research and the company is promising high performance and cost-effectiveness.

Four researchers

En bild på Jens Birch
Jens BirchFotograf: Olov Planthaber

The team behind Quantum Beam Optics Sweden AB is made up of Fredrik Eriksson, Naureen Ghafoor, Jens Birch, Gio Fornell and Anton Zubayer. Together they have a long history of research and development in advanced multilayer X-ray and neutron optics through work at the Thin Film Physics Division within the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at Linköping University.

"Over the years, we have been at the forefront of technology advancements in this field. The recognition we have received from the global neutron scattering community, together with a growing interest from the neutron optics industry, inspired us to take the next step and establish Quantum Beam Optics Sweden AB (QBO)", says associate professor Fredrik Eriksson.

By founding QBO, the teams aim is to commercialize their innovations and provide solutions that meet the demand for high-quality neutron optics worldwide. This innovation project is supported by LiU Holding through LiU Invest and LEAD.

Why have you started the company?

We founded Quantum Beam Optics to bring our advanced multilayer neutron optics technology to the international market. Our technology offers significant advancements, such as higher reflectivity and enhanced spin polarization, which are critical for neutron scattering applications. Although our new technology represents an investment, its more efficient neutron usage offers substantial economic advantages for the facilities. This combination of performance and cost-effectiveness makes our solutions particularly attractive for leading facilities like the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, as well as other neutron scattering facilities globally. Establishing QBO allows us to collaborate more effectively with leading optics manufacturers, to facilitate the integration of our innovations into their production processes and push the boundaries of neutron optics performance.

What will you sell and provide?

Initially, we will offer consultancy services, focusing on providing both scientific and technical expertise to neutron optics manufacturers. Our goal is to help these companies replicate the high-performance results we have achieved on a lab scale in large-area neutron optics. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we aim to support their efforts in achieving the same level of optical performance in their products.

Why do neutron optics manufacturers need your services?

While some manufacturers possess the capability to further develop and implement advanced neutron optics technologies independently, others face challenges due to gaps in specific scientific or technical expertise. Our consultancy will provide the guidance needed to accelerate their development processes, enabling them to produce higher-performance optics more quickly. This, in turn, will allow innovation in optical and instrument design, reduce time-to-market, and ultimately increase profitability for the manufacturers. In the future, QBO may expand its services to include technology licensing or even direct manufacturing of optics, offering further value to the industry.

Contact

Latest news from LiU

porträttfoto, man.

Investment in next-generation rural energy systems

Agtech Sweden at Linköping University, together with a number of partners, has been awarded SEK 11 million in EU funding for the new project “Energy-Resilient and Energy-Efficient Rural Enterprises”.

A couple of people that are in a room.

ERC funding for two LiU researchers for the energy solutions of the future

LiU researchers Nara Kim and Catherine Aitchison, both at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, have each been awarded an ERC Starting Grant worth approximately SEK 18 million over five years in a highly competitive process.

Rasmus Åhman, forskning inom perioperativ vård och utfall efter operation. Målet på lång sikt är att förbättra prognosen för patienter som opereras i Sverige.

Level of education most strongly linked to survival after hip fracture

Level of education is the socio-economic factor most strongly associated with survival rates after acute hip surgery. This is shown in a LiU study of 58,000 people. The results can be used to identify patients who may need more support after surgery.