A source of quantum light for atom magnetometry

When using classical light, optical measurements and light-based sensing methods are limited by the unavoidable quantum fluctuations in phase and amplitude, also known as shot noise. It is possible to work around this limitation by using quantum light whose fluctuations on the phase or the amplitude have been reduced below the quantum noise limit (squeezed light).
This proposal aims to leverage the recent realisation of a multi-spatial-mode light squeezer in our laboratory for quantum imaging applications. This unique capability means that light beams can be squeezed locally at every point of their transverse profile. This is akin to ordering the photons inside the beam of light in order to remove the “quantum roughness” across the beam. In particular, we seek to develop new methods to produce squeezed light which will make the next generation of atom magnetometers more sensitive and capable of imaging small currents in the human brain or identify unknown substances at a distance.
This project is suitable for a student with a strong taste for quantum mechanics (and possibly quantum optics) and willing to stretch their experimental skills, particularly in optics and laser physics. This is a human-scale experiment where you will have ample opportunities to learn a wide range of topics, from advanced experimental optics to abstract information theory. You will work in a small team and will be able to make a difference.