We aim to develop the miniature components and underpinning technologies that will transform ultra-sensitive quantum-enabled measurement and information processing mechanisms ('atom chips') from laboratory demonstrations into practical integrated devices
Quantum technology based on the stranger aspects of quantum physics ("Quantum 2.0") are expected to become the next-generation tools for timing, sensing, navigation, processing and communication in the coming decades. Many processes use ultracold atoms as they are arguably some of the purest quantum states available to us due to their decoupling from the incoherent 'classical' environment. Cold atom experiments come in many forms, usually in large scale vacuum chambers too bulky for practical devices beyond the laboratory, but many are being translated to more compact forms known as 'atom chips'. These are microfabricated wires patterned onto a substrate through which currents are passed to form various magnetic traps for atoms. See XXX for a review. Currently these chips, which are no larger than a postage stamp, are still housed in large vacuum chambers surrounded by a vast array of optics, laser, detectors and control electronics. If Quantum Technology is to truly make a significant impact we need to focus on miniaturizing and integrating this infrastructure as well. We aim to do this not with scaled-down copies of conventional components, but with mass-producible planar fabrication techniques, developed for semiconductor devices and MEMS, which we adapt to perform the roles of large scale apparatus.
This project is at the boundary of Physics and Engineering and hence it is a multidisciplinary collaboration within the University of Southampton involving the School of Physics and Astronomy, the School of Electronic and Computer Science (ECS), and the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC). We also have additional links to the School of Chemistry and the Engineering Sciences unit.
News
We have a 2 year postdoc position available. For more details, please see the Job Opportunities page.
We are now part of:
UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology
"The mission of the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology is to translate state-of-the-art lab technology into deployable practical devices. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, with academics and leading companies working together to translate research into marketable applications. We are an international centre of excellence bringing together world-leading physicists, engineers, industry and end-users."
Other Hub members include the universities of Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham, Strathclyde and Sussex