QT | UMQT

Research Associate - Strontium Optical Frequency References

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Quantum Technologies team within the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. The successful candidate will lead the development of a compact strontium-based optical frequency reference, integrating advanced optical metrology techniques within thermal atomic strontium systems.

This role encompasses:

Designing and prototyping miniaturised strontium optical frequency references
Implementing thermal atomic strontium sources and precision optics
Collaborating with UMQT and partners (national labs / industry) to enhance device portability
Publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at international conferences

You will work closely with Prof. Paul Griffin and Dr. Aidan Arnold, leading figures in experimental quantum optics and metrology.

Essential qualifications:

PhD (or nearing completion) in optical, quantum, or atomic physics
Practical experience with lasers, atomic sources, and precision frequency metrology
A strong publication record and communication skills

Residual early-career candidates may be appointed at Research Assistant level (Grade RS06, £32,546–£36,130) if the PhD is close to completion.

For more information see the full advert or contact Prof. Paul Griffin (paul.griffin@strath.ac.uk) or Dr. Aidan Arnold (aidan.arnold@strath.ac.uk).

Availability: Open
Deadline: Friday, 25 July 2025, 23:59 (UK time)
Start date: available from August 2025
Contact: Prof. Paul Griffin, Dr. Aidan Arnold

Research Associate – Atomic Systems Miniaturisation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Ultracold Matter and Quantum Technology (UMQT) group in the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. This project focuses on the miniaturisation of atomic systems to support the development of compact, deployable quantum technologies.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, assembly, and testing of portable atomic and optical instrumentation, helping to develop next-generation precision devices that operate beyond traditional laboratory settings.

Responsibilities include:

Designing and integrating miniaturised atomic systems
Developing and characterising compact optical and metrology platforms
Collaborating with academic and industry partners
Publishing scientific results and presenting at conferences

You will be part of a dynamic, collaborative research environment in the UMQT group, known for its leadership in atomic and optical physics research and translation to industrial applications.

Essential qualifications:

PhD (or near completion) in experimental optical or quantum physics
Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, and vacuum systems
Strong communication skills and publication track record

Appointment at Research Assistant (Grade RS06, £32,546–£36,130) is possible if the PhD is near completion.

For more details, visit the full advert or contact Dr James McGilligan.

Availability: Open
Start date: available from August 2025
Deadline: 20 July 2025, 23:59 (UK time)
Contact: Dr James McGilligan

Research Associate – Optical Time and Frequency Transfer

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Ultracold Matter and Quantum Technology (UMQT) group within the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. The project focuses on optical time and frequency transfer, in collaboration with the UK National Quantum Technology Programme and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

This role will support the development of compact atomic-optical systems for high-performance frequency metrology and benchmark new methods for miniaturised, real-world deployment. You will work closely with academic and industry partners to deliver practical protocols for quantum timing networks.

The successful candidate will be involved in:

Conducting experiments in optical time and frequency transfer
Developing and characterising compact atomic devices
Supporting the miniaturisation and integration of optical components
Disseminating findings via publications and international conferences

You will be based in the UMQT group, a vibrant team of over 40 researchers, with expertise in quantum optics, atomic physics, and laser metrology.

Essential qualifications:

PhD (or near completion) in experimental quantum or optical physics
Strong experience with laser systems, optics, metrology, and vacuum technology
Demonstrated ability to publish research and communicate results
Capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration in a team-based environment

Appointment at Research Assistant level (Grade RS06, £32,546–£36,130) is possible for candidates close to completing their PhD.

For more information, see the full advert or contact Prof. Paul Griffin.

Availability: Open
Start date: available from August 2025
Deadline: 20 July 2025, 23:59 (UK time)
Contact: Prof. Paul Griffin

Practical primary thermometry via alkali-metal-vapour Doppler broadening

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Quantum-gas microscopy of many-body quantum states in programmable light potentials

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Quantum Simulation seeks to unravel the mysteries of complex quantum systems that influence fields like materials science, chemistry, and biology. By modelling these systems through precise, controlled experiments at the quantum-mechanical level, we gain new, profound insights.

Within this PhD project, we’ll utilize ultracold atoms in optical lattices in a quantum-gas microscope setup, capable of single-site-resolved atom detection! Our setup, equipped with spatial light modulators, can project various light patterns onto the atoms with remarkable resolution. For example, in our work, published in Nature Communications, we were able to create quantum systems with only five atoms on a specific number of lattice site - this is pretty cool, isn’t it?

This remarkable tool will allow us to investigate novel quantum states in quasi one-dimensional systems. You can be the future PhD student exploring quantum states in ladder systems at half filling, where atoms move across each rung, yet the overall state remains insulating! We’re also diving into the intriguing effects of disordered lattice potentials on quantum states. By manipulating light potentials to flip atomic spins on selected sites, we’ll create various initial spin distributions, shedding light on out-of-equilibrium dynamics. And there’s more – future studies will venture into complex lattice geometries like Lieb-lattice systems and diamond chains.

Availability: Open
Start date: Every year
Contact: Prof Stefan Kuhr

Distributed network of optically pumped magnetometers for space weather monitoring

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Practical doppler broadening thermometry

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

778.1 nm distributed feedback lasers for Rb two-photon atomic systems with sub-4 kHz linewidths

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A cold-atom Ramsey clock with a low volume physics package

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A triaxial vectorization technique for a single-beam zero-field atomic magnetometer to suppress cross-axis projection error

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Longitudinal spin-relaxation optimization for miniaturized optically pumped magnetometers

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Simple tunable phase-locked lasers for quantum technologies

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Single-beam grating-chip 3D and 1D optical lattices

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Single-board low-noise fluxgate magnetometer

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Cold-atom shaping with MEMS scanning mirrors

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Cold atoms in space: community workshop summary and proposed road-map

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Micro-fabricated caesium vapor cell with 5 mm optical path length

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A grating-chip atomic fountain

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Micro-machined deep silicon atomic vapor cells

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Micro-fabricated components for cold atom sensors

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A digital alkali spin maser

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Silicon nitride waveguide polarization rotator and polarization beam splitter for chip-scale atomic systems

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Accurate optically pumped magnetometer based on Ramsey-style interrogation

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Demonstration of a Compact Magneto-Optical Trap on an Unstaffed Aerial Vehicle

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Advancing the stability and accuracy of a laser-cooled microwave atomic clock

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Advancing the stability and accuracy of a laser-cooled microwave atomic clock

Type: Experiment
Availability: Open
Start date: 2023
Contact: Dr Aidan Arnold or Dr Paul Griffin

Atom-interferometry for inertial sensing of rotation

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Optical-atomic magnetometry using alkali-spin maser techniques for geophysical magnetic sensing

Type: Experiment
Availability: Open
Start date: 2023
Contact: Dr Stuart Ingleby or Prof Erling Riis

Atom-interferometry for inertial sensing of rotation

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Atom-interferometry for inertial sensing of rotation

No funded positions are available at present. If you have a separate source of funding, please do contact the supervisors below.

The possibility of using interference of coherent matter-waves offers tantalizing levels of potential accuracy for measurement devices. A particular application of interest is that of rotation sensing with applications in quantum-based, autonomous navigation devices. The student will join a research program in BEC interferometry at Strathclyde in the development of a Bose-Einstein condensate atom interferometer device. A key aim is the demonstration of integrated optics and BEC interferometry. This project would ultimately inform the translation of chip-based BEC technology into a practical navigation tool.

Availability: Closed
Start date: 2022
Contact: Dr Aidan Arnold or Dr Paul Griffin

Atom-interferometry in optical waveguides for next-generation gyroscopes

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Atom-interferometry in optical waveguides for next-generation gyroscopes

Type: Experiment
Availability: Open
Start date: 2023
Contact: Prof Erling Riis or Dr Paul Griffin

Compact Laser systems

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Compact Laser Systems For Quantum Technologies

Translating quantum tech out of the lab places stringent requirements on new components and sub-systems. This studentship aims to advance the state-of-the-art in compact laser systems with integrated frequency and amplitude control. The focus will be on technical assessment of requirements and integration of internal atomic reference in order to realise robust, miniaturised devices for use in e.g. quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing systems. The project is jointly with UMQT and Alter UK’s Photonics Design Centre based on the Strathclyde Campus.

Availability: Open
Start date: 2022
Contact: Dr Paul Griffin
Industry Partner: Alter Technologies UK (formerly Optocap)

Compact Laser Systems For Quantum Technologies

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Compact Laser Systems For Quantum Technologies

As part of Alter UK’s Photonics Design Centre based on the Strathclyde Campus projects are available to develop lasers with integrated frequency and amplitude control. Focus will be on technical assessment of requirements and integration of internal atomic reference in order to realise robust, miniaturised devices for use in e.g. quantum- enabled position, navigation and timing systems. (Position jointly with Alter UK and Strathclyde)

Industry Partner: Alter Technologies UK (formerly Optocap)
Company info: https://wpo-altertechnology.com/optocap/
Availability: Open
Start date: 2022
Contact: Dr Paul Griffin

Compact, laser-cooled atomic clocks

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Compact, laser-cooled atomic clocks

Atomic clocks are a shining example of the power that technology based on atomic physics can have. In the last decades, using atoms laser cooled to the microKelvin regime, the sensitivity of atomic clocks has increased to now being better than one second over the age of the universe. This project, a key node in the UK Quantum Technologies Hubs, is focused on the development of an atomic clock in a compact and robust package, utilizing holographic grating-MOT technique developed in our group at Strathclyde. The resulting device will challenge the current state-of-the-art in commercial atomic clocks in cost, size, and stability. The successful candidate will gain cutting-edge experience in atomic physics, lasers, optics, and vacuum technology.

Availability: Open
Start date: 2022
Contact: Dr Paul Griffin

Micro-fabricated components for optical metrology

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Micro-fabricated components for optical metrology

Type: Experiment
Availability: Open
Start date: 2023
Contact: Dr James McGilligan or Dr Paul Griffin

SI-traceable atomic thermometry

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

SI-traceable atomic thermometry

You will be part of a new research area for the UK, namely making absolute and traceable measurements of temperature using optical measurements of the Doppler broadening of an atomic transition. The aim is to scale to practical (~mm sized) sensors using miniature optical cells filled with appropriate atomic/molecular species.

This project is in conjunction with external collaborative partner Graham Machin at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

More information

Type: Experiment
Availability: Open
Start date: 2023
Contact: Dr Aidan Arnold or Prof Erling Riis

Two-photon spectroscopy of rubidium for an optical atomic clock

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Two-photon spectroscopy of rubidium for an optical atomic clock

Type: Experiment
Availability: Open
Start date: 2023
Contact: Prof Erling Riis or Dr Paul Griffin

Ultra-precise atomic magnetometry for unshielded measurements

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Ultra-precise atomic magnetometry for unshielded measurements

This project builds on the experience at the University of Strathclyde in developing atomic magnetometers with sensitivities better than 1pT. Using compact, room temperature, atomic samples the new lab will compete directly with superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) based systems that require prohibitively expensive cryogenic environments. Here, we will develop new robust systems, including hardware and algorithms, for field-ready magnetic measurements in a battery-power device. The outcomes of the project will be immediately applied to measurement of real-world systems. Key targets are in measuring the bio-magnetic fields produced by the neuronal electrical activity of the human brain, and in deploying devices on unmanned land, air, and sea vehicles.

Availability: Open
Start date: Renewing
Contact: Prof Erling Riis or Dr Stuart Ingleby

Vapour cells for spectroscopy

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Vapour cells for spectroscopy

Vapour cells are used in spectroscopic instruments and gas analysers for validation or calibration and for stabilisation. Cascade Technologies has an interest in all of these methods and is particularly interested in developing inexpensive vapour cells for gases with spectral features in the NIR and MIR wavelength regions. The Ultracold Matter and Quantum Technology Group at Strathclyde University have built up expertise in a process known as anodic bonding which has great potential for inexpensive, scalable manufacturing of spectroscopic vapour cells. The student will develop an understanding of state of the art manufacturing and assembly methods for anodic bonding, and will undertake research into extending current methods into those areas most relevant to the company’s needs. The student will be part of a multidiscipline team working on the development of some of the most advanced gas analysers in the world.

Industry Partner: Emerson (Cascade Technologies), Stirling
Company info: https://www.emerson.com/en-gb/automation/measurement-instrumentation/gas-analysis/about-quantum-cascade-laser-analyzers
Availability: Open
Start date: 2022
Contact: Prof Erling Riis

A simple imaging solution for chip-scale laser cooling

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Roadmap on Atomtronics: State of the art and perspective

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Stand-alone vacuum cell for compact ultracold quantum technologies

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Gouy phase-matched angular and radial mode conversion in four-wave mixing

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

A High-Frequency Tunable Piezoelectric MEMS Scanner for Fast Addressing Applications

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

A history of high-power laser research and development in the United Kingdom

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Compressive Sampling Using a Pushframe Camera

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Towards a compact, optically interrogated, cold-atom microwave clock

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Recording the heart beat of cattle using a gradiometer system of optically pumped magnetometers

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Compact multispectral pushframe camera for nanosatellites

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Laser cooling in a chip-scale platform

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

A feed-forward measurement scheme for periodic noise suppression in atomic magnetometry

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Optical characterisation of micro-fabricated Fresnel zone plates for atomic waveguides

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Cold-atom clock based on a diffractive optic

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Radio-frequency microplasmas with energies suited to textitin situ selective cleaning of surface adsorbates in ion microtraps

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Towards a compact atomic clock based on coherent population trapping and the grating magneto-optical trap

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Spiral bandwidth of four-wave mixing in Rb vapour

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Vector Magnetometry Exploiting Phase-Geometry Effects in a Double-Resonance Alignment Magnetometer

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Spinor Bose-Einstein-condensate phase-sensitive amplifier for SU(1,1) interferometry

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Characterization of a Fast Piezoelectric Varifocal MEMS Mirror

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Free-Induction-Decay Magnetometer Based on a Microfabricated Cs Vapor Cell

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Intensity stabilisation of optical pulse sequences for coherent control of laser-driven qubits

Tue, 01 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Raman-Ramsey CPT with a grating magneto-optical trap

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Talbot-enhanced, maximum-visibility imaging of condensate interference

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Detection of applied and ambient forces with a matter-wave magnetic gradiometer

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Orientational effects on the amplitude and phase of polarimeter signals in double-resonance atomic magnetometry

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Grating chips for quantum technologies

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Design and fabrication of diffractive atom chips for laser cooling and trapping

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Cavity-enhanced frequency up-conversion in rubidium vapor

Sun, 01 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Utilising diffractive optics towards a compact, cold atom clock

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Comparison of beam generation techniques using a phase only spatial light modulator

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Phase-space properties of magneto-optical traps utilising micro-fabricated gratings

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

3D mapping of intensity field about the focus of a micrometer–scale parabolic mirror

Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Inductively guided circuits for ultracold dressed atoms

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Inductive dressed ring traps for ultracold atoms

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Accurate and agile digital control of optical phase, amplitude and frequency for coherent atomic manipulation of atomic systems

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Spinor Dynamics in an Antiferromagnetic Spin-1 Thermal Bose Gas

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Demonstration of an inductively coupled ring trap for cold atoms

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Trans-Spectral Orbital Angular Momentum Transfer via Four-Wave Mixing in Rb Vapor

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Laser spectroscopy of the 4 s 4 p 3 P 2 – 4 s 3 d 1 D 2 transition on magnetically trapped calcium atoms

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Laser cooling with a single laser beam and a planar diffractor

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Enhanced frequency up-conversion in Rb vapor

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Spatial interference from well-separated split condensates

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A compact magneto-optical trap apparatus for calcium

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Saturated absorption spectroscopy of calcium in a hollow-cathode lamp

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Single-laser, one beam, tetrahedral magneto-optical trap

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A versatile and reliably reusable ultrahigh vacuum viewport

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Reproducible dynamic dark ring lattices for ultracold atoms

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Confocal laser scanning microscopy using a frequency doubled vertical external cavity surface emitting laser

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Smooth inductively coupled ring trap for atoms

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Novel Gain Medium Design for Short-Wavelength Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Tunable, Single-frequency, Diode-pumped 2.3μm VECSEL

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Large magnetic storage ring for Bose-Einstein condensates

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Optical-clock local-oscillator stabilization scheme

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Optimum measurement strategies for trapped ion optical frequency standards

Wed, 01 Dec 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Photonic crystal fibre enables short-wavelength two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy with fura-2

Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Optical Ramsey spectroscopy of a single trapped Sr + 88 ion

Wed, 01 Sep 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Secondary bifurcations of hexagonal patterns in a nonlinear optical system: Alkali metal vapor in a single-mirror arrangement

Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 +0000

A birefringent etalon as single-mode selector in a laser cavity

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Adaptable-radius, time-orbiting magnetic ring trap for Bose–Einstein condensates

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Highly polarized photonic crystal fiber laser

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Narrow linewidth operation of a tunable optically pumped semiconductor laser

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000