Physics » Study » Potential student research projects » Exploring the limits of sensing with ultra-cold atoms

This project utilises a state-of-the-art multifield quantum sensor to develop new techniques and technologies for future high precision measurement devices. The system is currently configured as a 3m high precision gravimeter and magnetic field gradiometer. We are actively investigating quantum squeezing, large momentum transfer beamsplitting and spatial fringe interferometry to push the boundaries of sensing.

If you're interested in future technologies, have a knack for the mechanical and lots of creativity, this is the project for you.

Some of the papers published from this experiment include:

Simultaneous Precision Gravimetry and Magnetic Gradiometry with a Bose-Einstein Condensate: A High Precision Quantum Sensor, K. S. Hardman, P. J. Everitt, G. D. McDonald, P. Manju, P. B. Wigley, M. A. Sooriyaban- dara, C. C. N. Kuhn, J. E. Debs, J. D. Close, and N. P. Robins, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 138501 (2016).

Precision atomic gravimeter based on Bragg diffraction. A. Altin, M. T. Johnsson, V. Negnevitsky, G. R. Dennis, R. P. Anderson, J. E. Debs, S. S. Szigeti, K. S. Hardman, S. Bennetts, G. D. McDonald, L. D. Turner, J. D. Close, N. P. Robins, New J. Phys. 15 023009 (2013).

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