Physics Education Centre

A typical quantum optics experiment requires precise mode-matching of multiple beams. Any imprecision will lead to losses and degradation of the experiment fidelity. With increasingly complex experiments being performed at ANU, mode-matching multiple beams become a time consuming and mundane task that have to be performed at the start of every experiment. Also for a satellite based project, it is not practical to send the experimenter to space whenever the experiment needs realignment.

The aim of this project is to delegate this task to a machine, so that the experimenter can spend her time on more novel and challenging tasks.

The first step in the project will be to use machine learning algorithms to perform mode-matching for a homodyne setup. This requires matching two identical beams in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer setup using mirrors on a motorised mount. Additional degrees of freedom, like lens positions and beam polarisation will then be added to improve the mode-matching visibility between the two beams.

This research project can be tailored to suit students of the following type(s)