Available student project - Beam matching using machine learning

Research fields

Project details

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.

Project suitability

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

Contact supervisor

Assad, Syed profile

Other supervisor(s)

Tranter, Aaron profile
Zhao, Jie profile