Do low-cost thermal vapour experiments (< £100,000) result in published research from more countries in quantum technologies? [dataset]

Yes. Thermal vapour spectroscopy is one of many ways to probe the interaction between light and matter, providing a platform for studying quantum technologies. Unlike cold atom setups, which require highly specialised equipment to cool atoms to near absolute zero temperatures, glass cells are filled with an atomic species which can be heated to form thermal vapours at lower expense. In this paper, we give an estimate of the costs involved in going from a room with electrical outlets to a fully functioning thermal vapour lab which is less than £100,000. We investigate whether this lower expense correlates with published research in peer reviewed journals (impact factor greater than 1) from more countries. We conclude that countries which only publish thermal vapour data, as compared to those which also publish cold atom data, have lower mean HDI, GDP per capita and GERD % of GDP. We discuss the importance of impactful low-cost science in enfranchising scientists internationally.