» Contacts » Professor John Close
| Position | Professor |
|---|---|
| Department | Quantum Science & Technology |
| Research group | Atom laser group |
| Office phone | (02) 612 54390 |
| Office | Physics New 1 27 |
This research project focusses on the development of quantum limited and sub-quantum limited measurements of the gravitational field. Sensitive gravimeters have application to fundamental tests of general relativity and the search for beyond standard model physics . They can be applied to Earth Science, mineral exploration, climate science, space instrumentation and navigation. The project is a close collaboration between world class experimentalists and theorists and involves collaborations between quantum physicists, Earth scientists, space technologists, metrologists and industry partners. This is a well funded project, and we welcome interest in the project from undergraduate students, honours students, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, academics and industry partners.
In this project, we apply gravimetry to the mapping of interesting subteranean structures such as volcanoes, archeological sites, aquifers and other structures. Although gravity is a weak field, in some circumstances it is the only field that can be exploited to map subterranean structures. Volcanoes for example are a maze of tunnels and fissures with time dependent fluid flows that give rise to measurable gravitational fields. Aquifers similarly rise and fall and exhibit measureable time dependent gravitational fields. Archeological structures where access is restricted or forbidden can be mapped through the gravitational signal produced by underground rooms and cavities. The research project is a collaboration between quantum physicists, metrologists and Earth Scientists. It spans experimental physics, Earth Science, theory and applied mathematics. The experimental program focusses on quantum limited sensor design. The applied mathematics program focusses on inversion of signals and creation of maps from measurements of gravity, gravity gradients, magnetic field and magnetic gradients. We welcome enquiries from students, postdoctoral fellows and industry partners.
In this project we are pusuing quantum accelerometers for space application. The aim of the project is to improve satelite navigation and improve corrections due to atmospheric drag by designing, constructing, testing and deploying low size weight and power absolute, quantum accelerometers that exhibit state fo the art defining low long term drift.
In this project we are exploring new ideas and techniques to microfabricate quantum sensors with a focus on microfabricated free-fall gravimeters and gravity gradiometers. The project is a collaboration between experts in quantum sensing, microfabrication and instrumentation physicists and engineers.
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