A first-of-its-kind, world-class laboratory that could lead to the creation of quantum materials for use in a new generation of technologies will open at the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) on December 12, 2013.

Quantum materials are needed as the building blocks of robust quantum devices that will be able function outside of laboratory settings bringing the possibility of a quantum computer one step closer.

“New materials are not conventional, so we need to take an unconventional approach to this research,” said Professor David Cory, Canada Excellence Research Chair and deputy director, research at IQC. “The Institute for Quantum Computing has made a significant investment in quantum materials science and the most promising direction for building quantum devices is quantum materials.”

The lab houses a unique new $5 million tool to grow new materials that could form the building blocks of quantum technologies.

The Government of Canada, Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund, industry partners and others helped fund the new lab.