Cold atoms for quantum technology

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
 
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
February and October January to April
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
February and October
Application period
January to April

Our research focuses on the study of interactions between cold Rydberg atoms. The main motivation is the understanding of interacting many-body dynamics and multi-particle entanglement. Strongly interacting cold atoms have applications in Quantum technologies, and we have ongoing projects on DQC1 – deterministic quantum computation with one clean qubit – (computation based on mixed-states) and we will soon start feasibility studies on the potential implementation of quantum enhanced sensing based on cold atoms in microscopic dipole traps.

Rydberg-Rydberg interactions can be also applied to the simulation of condensed matter systems where electron-phonon interactions are of particular importance. Such systems are not amenable to simulation by classical computers, but promising advances in cold-atoms quantum simulators may provide a pathway to better understanding of, for example, exotic superconductors in which the electron-phonon interaction plays a key role.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English

Potential research projects

We welcome enquiries from prospective students in the following areas:

  • Controlled Raman rotations on a mixed (or not) mesoscopic ensemble, using a scheme based on Rydberg-Rydberg interactions and electromagnetically induced transparency to demonstrate controlled rotation of the qubits in a partially mixed ensemble.

Current/recent research projects

  • Experimental implementation of DQC1 “testing the power of discord”

Potential supervisors

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full time: £4,712 per year Full time: £15,456 per year
Part time: £2,356 per year Part time: £7,584 per year

Some of our research students are funded via Doctoral Training Partnerships; some are funded by University studentships; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

Optical test rig
 

How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Administrative support
Email: STEM-SPS-PhD
Phone: +44 (0)1908 653796

Apply now

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process.