Potential student research projects

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Atom-light interactions in quantum memories

Quantum memories store light in atomic ensembles for applications in quantum computing and networking. This project explores how atoms and light interact in prototype quantum memories that use rare earth atoms in crystals for storage, aiming to improve memory efficiency, storage capacity, and performance in real-world devices.

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt, Dr James Stuart

Atomic magnetometer for exploring physics beyond the standard model and gyroscopy

Atomic sensors are exquisitely sensitive. We aim to model and build a new generation of atomic sensors to measure magnetic fields, rotation and dark matter.

Professor Ben Buchler

Mass-entangled ultracold helium atoms

This experimental project aims to create entangled states of ultracold helium atoms where the entanglement is between atoms of different mass. By manipulating the entangled pairs using laser induced Bragg transitions and measuring the resulting correlations, we will study how gravity affects mass-entangled particles.

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Andrew Truscott

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Enhancing particle builder: developing comprehensive physics explanations

This project aims to enhance the educational value of the online adaptation of Particle Builder by developing comprehensive physics and mathematical explanations. Through a literature review, content creation, and analysis of engagement data, the student researcher will contribute their physics expertise to create an engaging and effective learning resource.

Mr Lachlan McGinness

Exploring the many body physics in an atomic matterwave system with PT symmetry

Investigating the possible enhancement of sensitivity in atomic sensors with PT symmetry and the underlying many body evolution.

Dr Jessica Eastman, Dr Simon Haine

How does a quantum system reach equilibrium?

The idea of equilibration is ubiquitous throughout nature. Out-of-equilibrium dynamics – be it caused by a disturbance and subsequent “rethermalisation”, or by passing through a phase transition – is a difficult question to characterise. This project looks at both equilibration and phase transitions in a Bose-Einstein condensate of metastable helium atoms.

Professor Andrew Truscott, Dr Sean Hodgman

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

We are investigating novel effects and applications using positrons and structured surfaces.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

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 studying the interaction of positrons (the electron anti-particle) with trapped ultracold rubidium atoms.

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Stephen Buckman, Dr Joshua Machacek

Shining new light on the ‘proton radius puzzle’ using ultracold helium

This experimental project, involves building an ultra-stable frequency laser which will be used to probe electronic transitions in ultracold - 3He and 4He. These measurements will then be used to determine the differential isotopic nuclear charge radius of helium to a world leading absolute accuracy.

Professor Andrew Truscott, Dr Sean Hodgman