UAE professor gets patents for inventions in quantum technology

Abu Dhabi: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued two patents in the area of quantum technology to Montasir Qasymeh, an inventor and professor of electrical engineering at Abu Dhabi University (ADU).

ADU has supported Prof. Montasir throughout the many stages of the development of his project, which resulted in two ground-breaking discoveries receiving patents from a U.S.-based federal agency, as part of the university’s efforts to stimulate creativity and research across numerous industries.

A novel technique for mapping out protons utilizing low-noise microwave technology that offers optical field conversion employing graphene layers is described in the first patent, titled “Frequency-tunable quantum microwave to the optical conversion process.”

A second patent was given for a device called a “Frequency-tunable quantum microwave to optical conversion system.” The patents have the potential to completely transform a number of businesses and are applicable to microwave technology, optical communication, and quantum computation.

The patents cover a graphene structure that functions as a high-performance quantum modulator, able to generate optical photons at the quantum level and receive microvolts through a microwave signal. The arrangement serves as both an optical periodic medium and an electrical capacitor by utilizing interconnected graphene layers stacked in an interdigital topology.

This quantum microwave-to-optical transduction system has several uses, but one notable one is its incorporation into the design of modular quantum superconducting computers using optical fibers. In quantum computing designs, the technology makes it easier to connect distributed superconducting cryostats and processors. This innovation ushers in a long-awaited development that opens up a whole new world of unmatched computational power.

The inventions have contributed to substantial advances in quantum technology, demonstrating Prof. Qasymeh’s commitment to his work. These patents not only mark a significant milestone for the professor and ADU, but they also pave the way for a time when cutting-edge quantum technology will power new discoveries.

The International Research Program Awards (ASPIRE) award supported Prof. Qasymeh innovation and gave it the tools it needed to thrive and reach its full revolutionary potential. Prof. Qasymeh has been able to invest more money thanks to the award in testing and prototyping his quantum technology discoveries.

Professor Qasymeh said, “I am honoured for my work to have been recognised by the prestigious United States Patent and Trademark Office. This accomplishment could not have been achieved without ADU’s ongoing support to its faculty members. Through fostering cutting-edge research and cultivating an environment that furthers innovation and paves a path towards new frontiers in science. Through quantum technology, we seek to unlock new answers in computing power, communication security and information processing. We are sure that these patents will pave the way for transformative changes in quantum computations and communications.”

On this occasion, Dr. Hamdi Sheibani, Dean of the College of Engineering at ADU, said, “We are proud of the achievements of Professor Montasir Qasymeh, the two patents serve as a valuable addition to the existing patent portfolio of both Prof. Qasymeh and other faculty members. These milestones reflect ADU’s commitment to fostering a culture centralised around innovation and scientific research to drive collective global impact.”

These patents mark an important turning point for quantum technology, reaffirming ADU’s prominent status as a pioneering institution both locally and internationally.