About the project
In this project you will help to advance this new paradigm of non-spherical micro-optics towards a practical quantum technology. You will perform computer modelling and simulations in close collaboration with fabricators and experimentalists.
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.
We are looking for a PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team of students, postdocs, and senior researchers developing micro-optical devices for advancing quantum technologies.
Many quantum technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, often rely on micro-optical components to couple the internal quantum states of matter (e.g. atoms or ions) to photons for the preparation, transmission, and read-out of quantum information. This matter-light interaction can be enhanced by optical resonators where light is trapped between two spherical mirrors. We have recently shown that using specially designed, non-spherical mirrors can significantly enhance the performance of such resonators, leading to faster quantum information processing, higher bit rates, or enhanced quantum sensing.
In this project you will help to advance this new paradigm of non-spherical micro-optics towards a practical quantum technology. You will perform computer modelling and simulations in close collaboration with fabricators and experimentalists.
Potential areas of research include:
- design and simulation of optical resonators that focus single photons into microscale spots for strong interaction with single atoms or ions
- optimisation of such designs for strong performance even when allowing for realistic fabrication tolerances
- freeform micro-optical lenses and mirrors to efficiently couple photons emitted from a particle into a single-mode optical fibre
- investigation of machine learning tools for micro-optics design
If you have an interest in photonics, quantum technology, and computer-based modelling, you would be highly suitable for this project.
You will benefit from our world-leading expertise in these fields and enjoy working in a highly supportive environment in our group and collaboration with partner groups across the University of Southampton and around the country.
