PhD Studentship: High fidelity quantum control for sensing and computing

Project title: High fidelity quantum control for sensingand computing   Supervisory Team: Dr Tim Freegarde, Prof Ilya Kuprov Project description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills. Quantum technologies for computing, timekeeping and sensing require atomic wavefunctions to be split and recombined with precision and fidelity. Often, these operations are performed using pulses of laser light, and are affected when atoms move to different beam intensities or incur Doppler shifts. Intriguingly, in the analogous field of magnetic resonance, pulses have been designed that tolerate such variations by shaping the phase and amplitude within each pulse. We have already used these NMR optimal control techniques to design individual ‘mirror’ and ‘beamsplitter’ pulses for atom interferometry. In this project, you’ll build upon our previous work to investigate pulses whose ‘apparent origin’ are unaffected by movement and intensity variations, so that the calibration scale factor of quantum sensors is better defined. You’ll optimize not just individual pulses but whole interferometer sequences, allowing early errors to be compensated at a later stage; and you’ll introduce ‘dynamical decoupling’ to make the sequences more immune to noise. You’ll look into the origins of intriguing features that emerge during computational optimization. Finally, you’ll be able to demonstrate each of these aspects experimentally. Throughout, you’ll develop skills and expertise in quantum technologies, atomic and laser physics, supercomputing, digital modelling, photonics, control and instrumentation. This project offers scope for one or two students addressing a combination of computational optimization and simulation, theoretical analysis, and experimental validation and characterization. If you are interested, please contact the supervisor for more information: Tim Freegarde tim.freegarde@soton.ac.uk Entry Requirements A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). Closing date: 31 August 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. How To Apply Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD iMR”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor. Applications should include: Curriculum Vitae Two reference letters Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.