State of the art technologies in quantum optics exploit the interactions between atomic systems, nonlinear optical materials, and high-quality cavities, to achieve exquisite control over individual quantum systems. Most research to date has focused on strengthening this coupling through nanoscale design of static optical devices such as cavities or metasurfaces, or driving atoms into states which are more prone to efficient interaction.

This PhD program will explore whether interesting states of matter can be created by active temporal manipulation of the light-matter couplings. Can atoms trapped in an optical lattice be driven into new, interesting states when the lattice is shaking at high frequencies? What advantages will such systems offer for quantum-enhanced sensing of magnetic and gravitational fields, or for quantum computing and information processing?

We are looking for motivated PhD candidates interested in joining our effort to explore these questions. The project will be mostly theoretical, framed in the language of open quantum systems, cavity optomechanics and quantum nonlinear optics. You will join a welcoming and inclusive group that values frequent interaction and collaboration. Note that Macquarie University seeks to be an inclusive environment for people from all cultures, genders, sexual orientations, age, and religions, and we warmly encourage enquiries from people of all backgrounds. In turn, we will expect you to embrace these values as a PhD student.

The Sydney Quantum Academy PhD scholarship program aims to address gender imbalance among students pursuing careers in quantum technology. Therefore, for reasons of building greater diversity, scholarship places at Macquarie University for this round have been reserved for students who identify as women.

Prospective candidates need to contact the project supervisor: Dr Mikolaj Schmidt at mikolaj.schmidt@mq.edu.au by September 15 the latest to discuss the project, and submit the CV – including contact information for two referees – and the full academic transcript. We will invite selected candidates for online interviews in the following week. Let us know if you have any questions about the criteria or paperwork.

This PhD will be carried out under the joint supervision of two Sydney-based experts in quantum optical technologies: Dr Mikolaj K. Schmidt (https://mkschmidtphysics.blog/) and Prof. Michael J. Steel (https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/mike-steel) from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Macquarie University.