IsoLab

This annexe to Physics houses a suite of 3 laboratories where vibration, noise and electromagnetic disturbance have been drastically reduced, creating an "ultra-clean" environment for measurement and characterisation.

An academic working in an IsoLab pod

IsoLab has been designed to provide the most advanced environments for studying quantum systems in controlled conditions.

The build has been made possible by generous donations from the Wolfson Foundation, the J.P. Moulton Charitable Foundation and the Garfield Weston Foundation, and an award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

The building sits on its own massive concrete foundation, with three above-ground laboratories each contained in their own separate pod. In the basement of each pod sits a 50-ton concrete isolation block, accessible through a removable floor. Pod interiors are lined with material to shield acoustic and electromagnetic disturbance.

An Introduction to IsoLab

Dr Jon Prance explains what makes IsoLab such a special facility, and how it allows Lancaster to push the boundaries of physics.

Pod 1: Nano-imaging and microscopy

Used for atomic and molecular imaging studies, pushing the boundaries of ultra-high resolution force imaging and measurement with atomic and molecular resolution far beyond current limits.

View inside Pod 1

Pod 2: Quantum Optics

Used to explore and exploit the quantum-mechanical behaviour of light and its interaction with optical devices, materials and components.

View inside Pod 2

Pod 3: Ultra-low Temperatures

Used to probe systems and devices at the extremes of low temperature, where the agitating effects of thermal noise can be ignored and the underlying quantum properties of matter shine through.

View inside Pod 3

How it Works

The scientists involved worked closely with the architects and builders to create a facility where isolation and quiet have been designed in from the start, and through every stage of the construction. Each pod is adaptable for future customisation, depending on use.

  • Isolation blocks

    The basement of each pod is filled with a 50-ton C-shaped isolation block that floats on 7 independently controlled air springs.

  • Electromagnetic and acoustic shielding

    The entire inside surface of each pod, from basement floor to laboratory ceiling is coated with acoustic damping board, and lined with a custom-built metal plate Faraday cage. Pod 1 extends the acoustic shielding with a lining of foam tiles.

  • Electricity and data

    Each pod has its own separate earthing nest and is supplied with 3-phase & single phase to the exterior service area. The interior of each pod is supplied with two sets of independently filtered clean single-phase sockets, DC in a range of voltages, and optical fibre.

How the IsoLab works

Professor George Pickett explains in this presentation the origins and design of the IsoLab.

On-going Research

  • Nano-imaging and microscopy

    Atomically resolved microscopy and spectroscopy of nanostructured and molecularly self-assembled materials. We are exploiting scanning probe microscopy and ultra-high frequency laser vibrometry to reach new levels of precision for characterisation at the sub-nanometre and atomic scale.

  • Quantum optics

    Testing a quantum random number generator. Our invention turns the random nature of quantum mechanics into a stream of digital bits, based on the phenomenon of tunnelling, where electrons travel through barriers in a probabilistic fashion.

  • Ultra-low temperatures

    Studying a new magnetic field sensor made from a combination of superconducting metals and graphene. The device only works at low temperatures, and is so sensitive that we are using it to see just how noisy the IsoLab environment actually is!

Key People

  • Dr Sam Jarvis

    Director of IsoLab, Head of Pod 1, Senior Lecturer in Nanoscale Materials

  • Professor Richard Hayley

    Inaugural Director of IsoLab, Professor of Low Temperature Physics

  • Professor George Pickett, FRS

    IsoLab Design Guru, Distinguished Professor

  • Dr Jon Prance

    Head of Pod 3, Professor of Low Temperature Nanoelectronics