April 15, 2026 -- NPL has embarked on a new international collaboration with a consortium of leading South Korean universities to develop next generation passive radiofrequency (RF) technologies for cryogenic quantum systems.

Passive RF components including filters, couplers, circulators and attenuators are fundamental to the performance and stability of quantum technologies. In cryogenic quantum platforms, these components directly influence critical parameters such as noise floor, isolation, impedance matching and overall signal integrity, all of which are essential for achieving high fidelity qubit control and readout.

As quantum processors continue to scale in size and complexity, ensuring reliable performance at milli-kelvin temperatures becomes increasingly challenging. Achieving this requires rigorous cryogenic characterisation to accurately measure frequency dependent loss, thermalisation behaviour and magnetic sensitivity. However, both high performance passive RF components and the specialist facilities needed to test them remain significant technical bottlenecks across the quantum technology landscape.

Strengthening capability in cryogenic passive RF technologies and the metrology infrastructure that underpins their characterisation is, therefore, essential to unlocking the next generation of quantum technologies. Addressing these challenges will be vital to supporting the growth of the global quantum supply chain and accelerating the commercialisation of quantum systems.

To respond to this need, NPL has partnered with a consortium of South Korean universities to establish a new international research programme focused on advanced cryogenic RF components and measurement capabilities. The collaboration brings together South Korea’s expertise in RF engineering with NPL’s world leading strengths in RF measurement science and cryogenic RF metrology.

Through this collaboration, NPL continues to strengthen its role as a global leader in quantum measurement science, supporting the development of robust, scalable technologies that will underpin future quantum systems worldwide.

This partnership has resulted in a project led by Soongsil University titled “International Joint Laboratory: Passive RF Devices for Cryogenic Quantum Applications.” It is funded under the 2025 Quantum Technology International Cooperation Strengthening Programme, organised by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF).

Manoj Stanley, Senior Scientist at NPL and UK lead for the project, said: “This partnership aligns the complementary strengths of South Korea’s excellence in RF engineering and NPL’s leadership in cryogenic RF metrology to develop technologies that will be vital for scaling quantum computing.”

Professor Nick Ridler, NPL Fellow and Head of Science for Electromagnetic and Electrochemical Technologies, said: “This partnership demonstrates how NPL’s world-leading expertise in RF measurement science can support international collaboration and help drive global progress in quantum technologies.”

Dr Tobias Lindstrom, Head of Science for Quantum Technologies at NPL, said: “Quantum systems rely on well characterised, high performance control systems, and achieving this at cryogenic temperatures is inherently challenging. The methods developed through this collaboration will help companies across the quantum computing supply chain deliver the advanced components and capabilities needed for the next generation of quantum computers.”

Professor Hojin Lee, project lead at Soongsil University, concluded: “We are proud to partner with NPL in establishing this international joint laboratory. Together we will develop advanced RF technologies and train the specialists needed to drive innovation in cryogenic quantum applications in both countries.”