Heriot-Watt to host prestigious Single Photon Workshop 2024

Heriot-Watt University is proud to announce the prestigious Single Photon Workshop 2024 (SPW24), set to take place from November 18-22, 2024, in Edinburgh. This event will bring together leading experts from across the world to showcase cutting-edge advancements in photonics and quantum technology. SPW24 offers a unique platform for industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to collaborate and explore the future of single-photon technologies.

As the field of photonics continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, this workshop is pivotal in addressing key challenges and opportunities, highlighting Edinburgh’s growing presence as a global hub for photonics and quantum technology.

SPW24 promises five days of groundbreaking research presentations, insightful discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities for delegates. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with world-renowned researchers and industry leaders at the forefront of photonics and quantum technology.

SPW24 will feature presentations from leading figures in the photonics community, including Professor Gerald Buller, Co-Chair of the SPW24 event and a key pioneer in quantum communication at Heriot-Watt University.

Speaking about the importance of single photons in future technologies, Professor Buller remarked:

"We are delighted to host the Single Photon Workshop (SPW 2024) in Edinburgh. This is the largest conference in the world dedicated to single photon generation and detection technology and applications. The conference returns to the UK after being hosted around the world, for example in Milan, Geneva, Colorado, and Korea. The subject areas of the Single Photon Workshop are rapidly emerging as critical technologies supporting quantum sensing, quantum networking and quantum computation: fields of significant global economic and strategic potential"

Hosting the SPW24 aligns with Heriot-Watt’s long-term vision to develop the next generation of talent and drive forward Scotland’s quantum innovation cluster.

From advancing marine science to accelerating the energy transition for offshore sites, photon technology continues to drive pivotal scientific and technological progress worldwide.

Looking ahead to the event, Dr Aurora Maccarone of Heriot-Watt University commented:

"At Heriot-Watt university, we are developing advanced single-photon detection approaches that be applied to a number of applications, including surveying off-shore installations and collecting high quality underwater terrain data for marine sciences. These approaches can permit much more rapid collection of data at higher resolution and at longer range than via existing conventional optical imaging techniques. I am excited to share advancements like this with an international audience and explore new collaborations that will push the boundaries of what is possible using quantum detection technology."

Businesses from a wide array of industries and sectors are coming together to co-create and drive the future of photonic technologies. The SPW24 event exemplifies this collaborative spirit, showcasing engagement from a diverse mix of sectors and businesses, large and small.

Speaking on behalf of one of the event's platinum sponsors, Photon Spot, Founder Dr Vikas Anant stated:

"We are thrilled to support SPW24 and collaborate with Heriot-Watt University in advancing photonics technology. Events like these are critical for fostering innovation and exploring new commercial opportunities, and we look forward to the exciting developments that will emerge from this workshop."

To secure your place at the Single Photon Workshop 2024, register today via this link.

With thanks to our event sponsors

Platinum Sponsors:

QuantIC | Pico Quant | Opto Electronic Components | Micro Photonic Devices| Quantum Opus | ID Quantique | Photon Spot

Gold Sponsors:

Qcomms Hub | Photon Force | Novoviz | Laser Components | Single Quantum | NPL | Becker & Hickl | QRAD | Quandela

Silver Sponsors:

Toshiba