renewing | UMQT

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

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-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

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