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발행일: 2025-10-20

지면: 2025-10-21, 19면

한글원문 링크: [딥테크창업 글로벌 허브 KST]〈2〉큐라드, 고정밀 계측 솔루션 국산화 선도 - 전자신문

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QRAD Advances Localization of Precision Optical Measurement Equipment Based on Public Research Technology

Measurement equipment is essential for a wide range of fundamental research and applied technology development, and its quality is directly linked to a nation’s technological competitiveness. While Korea has been making national-level efforts to foster the equipment industry, dependence on imported laboratory measurement instruments remains high. QRAD, a precision optical metrology company led by CEO, Dr. Dong-Hoon Lee, is taking on the challenge of localizing advanced measurement equipment based on technologies transferred from a government-funded research institute.

QRAD was co-founded in November 2022 by CEO, Dr. Dong-Hoon Lee, formerly a senior researcher at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), together with two researchers specializing in optics and atomic physics. The company was established through the transfer of core technologies that Lee participated in developing during his 20-year tenure at KRISS. His experience with 18 technology transfer agreements while at the institute also laid a strong foundation for entrepreneurship.

Based on photometric and radiometric measurement technologies transferred from KRISS, QRAD has independently developed advanced optical metrology instruments, including a dual-function radiometer capable of simultaneous wavelength and power measurement and a photon-counting radiometer using silicon SPADs.

The global market for optical measurement instruments is dominated by a small number of global companies, making domestically produced alternatives difficult to find. As a result, research laboratories in Korea often face limitations in promptly adapting measurement systems to evolving experimental requirements.

Recognizing this challenge, QRAD has addressed the shortcomings of existing products while enabling performance optimization tailored to the specific needs of individual research institutions, thereby securing its competitive edge.

Beyond measurement instruments, QRAD also provides customized research equipment and measurement solutions aligned with customer demands. Notably, its room-temperature single-photon source system has seen steadily growing interest from companies working toward the commercialization of quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies.

Single-photon sources are essential components for quantum key distribution, photonic quantum computing, and quantum metrology. However, most conventional single-photon sources operate at cryogenic temperatures, requiring expensive cooling systems.

QRAD’s room-temperature single-photon source is a plug-and-play system that operates without cryogenic cooling. The module is compatible with standard 19-inch racks, portable, and designed for ease of integration. Key performance metrics-including stability under repeated operation, temperature and humidity variations, vibration, and long-term use-show variation rates of less than 5%, demonstrating high operational stability.

Through further advancement of its room-temperature single-photon source technology, QRAD plans to expand its business into modules for photonic quantum computers. The company has successfully developed a prototype at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 through joint research projects with KRISS and government-funded programs, with the goal of developing a miniaturized module by 2027.

CEO, Dr. Lee emphasized that support from Korean Science & Technology Holdings (KST) has been instrumental in achieving these goals. In March, QRAD secured KRW 300 million in investment form KST, enabling the establishment of research facilities and accelerating technology advancement. This case is regarded as a successful example of an effectively functioning public technology commercialization ecosystem.

“By expanding into high-complexity application areas such as quantum computing, we aim to pioneer new advanced measurement technologies including quantum sensing,” said Dr. Lee. “Our goal is to lead the localization of high-precision metrology solutions and establish QRAD as a globally recognized brand.”