Efficient atom photon interfaces are the basis for quantum computers, fibre networks or miniaturised quantum sensors. Photons are ideal systems to create entangled states or to carry quantum information, while atoms are well suited for information storage or to mediate interactions between photons.
The PhD student will explore a cold cloud of cesium atoms trapped in a micrometre sized hole in an optical single mode fibre. This system can be combined with a fibre cavity and reach the strong coupling regime. The student will investigate photon storage, superradiance, weak measurements and demonstrate a source of entangled photons. This concept will be expanded to two dimensions, i.e. included in photonic waveguide chips. These have been very successful as purely photonic structures, such as interferometers and photonic quantum simulators, but where atoms have not been included so far. The PhD project will extend our existing system, where we are currently trapping a cold cloud of ~1000 cesium atoms in a 30 micrometer hole.
The project is part of a European collaboration including theoretical, experimental and photonic engineering projects with partners from Vienna, Berlin, Rostock, Odense. The PhD student will benefit from the research team in Nottingham (experiment: L. Hackermueller, theory: I Lesanovsky) and regular meetings of the consortium.
The PhD program at the University of Nottingham offers postgraduate courses (through the Midlands Physics Alliance Graduate School, mpags) as well as regular summer schools and workshops. The group is part of the Midlands Ultracold Atom Research Centre (MUARC), which brings together theoretical and experimental researchers from Birmingham and Nottingham in the areas of cold atoms, quantum optics, quantum information and condensed matter physics.
Benefits include a taxfree PhD stipend (currently 14553£ /year) and a travel grant.
We welcome applications from highly motivated students with a strong background in quantum physics and a passion for experimental physics.
Application details:
The application including CV, publication list and motivation letter should be submitted to lucia.hackermuller@nottingham.ac.uk
Application deadline: May 25, 2019.
