We are pleased to announce the availability of a PhD position at the University of Nottingham in the area of Quantum Technologies related to the creation of an atom-photon interface. The aim of the project is to create a single device, which allows the optimal connection of photons to cold atoms for quantum optics and quantum information experiments. To this end we use a transparent microchip with embedded waveguides, where atoms in a magneto-optical trap can be stored close to the chip surface. This microchip has the advantage of enabling complex architectures of waveguides, including mirrors, cavities and interferometers. The thesis will involve the exploration of several ways of atom-photon connections, optimisation of fibre-waveguide coupling and performance of read-wright operations on the atoms, as well as optical detection through the waveguides and using the atoms as highly sensitive local ensembles for precision measurements. Our vision is that this device becomes the centrepiece of novel hybrid light-matter networks, with which quantum information processing can be approached from a highly modularized standpoint. The project combines the efforts of 5 groups in 3 different countries (Vienna, Dresden, Jena, Nottingham) including theory groups and manufacturing. The project is situated at the border between cold atom and quantum optics research.
The PhD program at the University of Nottingham includes postgraduate courses (www.mpags.nottingham.ac.uk/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 cold atoms, quantum optics, quantum information and condensed matter physics.
We are looking for a highly motivated person with a strong background in quantum physics and a passion for experimental physics. If you would like to work on cutting edge physics in an international research team (consisting of two postdocs and PhD students), please contact lucia.hackermuller@nottingham.ac.uk.