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The discovery of quantum physics opened a realm of wondrous phenomena which have come to underpin our modern world. Scientists at ANU are part of this new era – unravelling fundamental quantum effects, harnessing them to create the next generation of technologies and bring them to market.
Some of our theoreticians work on the basic formulism of quantum theory, while others apply it to quantum information, many-body systems like nuclei or Bose-Einstein condensates, polariton-excitons, photonics and even quantum gravity.
We are exploring how to use the extreme sensitivity of quantum systems for sensing technology – ranging from sensors of gravity and motion, to electromagnetic fields – to enhancing the detection of gravitational waves, to atomic clocks and quantum microscopy – the imaging of individual atoms.
ANU hosts a comprehensive array of enabling technologies that enable the design of novel quantum materials and technologies. Our large suite of nanofabrication facilities include MOCVD growth systems, diagnostic capabilities and testing facilities, and features one of Australia’s leading nuclear physics establishments, the Heavy-Ion Accelerator Facility.
We are developing quantum computers and the algorithms to run on them, but also land- and space-based quantum network technology and encryption protocols for enhanced security. By integrating these networks and computers we are working to build a quantum internet that stretches across the globe.
We have launched quantum technology start-up companies across all domains of quantum technology: sensing, cryptography, computing and enabling classical technologies. We also have major projects with Defence in precision navigation, gravimetry and secure quantum communications.
We’re partners in four ARC Centres of Excellence, working on developing next generation quantum computing and communication technology (CQC2T), quantum materials, engines and precision imaging systems for quantum machines (EQUS), quantum noise reduction technology, and applying it to gravitational wave astrophysics (OzGrav), and low-energy electronics based on quantum materials (FLEET).
Students at all levels have the chance to engage with our researchers and take part in cutting-edge research, via undergraduate research topics, our selection of Masters programs, through to PhD research.
Potential student research projects
You could be doing your own research into fusion and plasma confinement. Below are some examples of student physics research projects available in RSPE.

Non-equilibrium quantum condensation of microcavity exciton polaritons
This project combines theoretical and experimental research on exciton polaritons in semiconductor microcavities. We investigate emergent quantum phenomena far from equilibrium and their applications for next-generation optoelectronics devices.

Integrated quantum photonics
The goal of the project is to understand new physical phenomena arising from quantum and nonlinear optical integration. In the future this research may open doors to new types of computers and simulators with information capacity exceeding the number of elementary...

Synthetic multi-dimensional photonics
This project goal is to investigate, theoretically and experimentally, photonic systems with synthetic dimensionality exceeding the three spatial dimensions, and reveal new opportunities for applications in optical signal switching and sensing in classical...

Quantum super resolution
When two point sources of light are close together, we just see one blurry patch. This project aims to use coherent measurement techniques in quantum optics to measure the separation between the point sources beyond the Rayleigh's limit.

Interactions between Antimatter and Ultracold Atoms
Antiparticles and antimatter have progressed from theory and science fiction to become an important and exciting area of pure and applied science. This fundamental atomic physics project will investigate how antimatter and matter interact by experimentally...

Efficient optical interconnect for quantum computers
Superconducting and spin qubits are leading quantum computing technologies, but we currently have no way to connect them to optical quantum networks that will make up a future quantum internet. This project will develop an interconnect capable of efficiently...
Please browse our full list of available physics research projects to find a student research project that interests you.
Updated: 25 May 2022/ Responsible Officer: Director, RSPhys/ Page Contact: Physics Webmaster