Quantum technologies exploit fundamental properties of the quantum world to reach a performance that would be unattainable with classical devices. This is the case of quantum sensors such as gravimeters, magnetometers or accelerometers, whose unprecedented levels of performance have prompted a worldwide effort to develop robust portable systems that can be used in real-life applications in civil engineering, positioning and navigation, energy and resources monitoring, healthcare, space and metrology.
However, in most applications, the sensors are required to operate at high performance in entirely different conditions than they are in the lab. For instance, the large number of cross-couplings with the environment severely degrades performance, while making sensor optimisation for operation in the field an uncertain, lengthy and costly process.
Building a quantum sensor digital twin – i.e. a virtual model that could be used to simulate the full behaviour of the sensor in field-like conditions - would permit to dramatically accelerate this process. It would help understand the physical effects associated with operation in the field, their impact on sensing performance, as well as test a variety of design options to optimize the sensor including incorporating new quantum approaches to make the sensor more sensitive and more resilient.
During this PhD project, you will:
- develop a state-of-the-art quantum sensor digital twin, incorporating a detailed modelling of its underlying quantum processes as well as of the external couplings with the environment. We will primarily focus on quantum sensors based on atom interferometry (a process in which quantum superposition and interference are used to perform a high-precision measurement of a desired quantity) such as quantum gravimeters, gradiometers or accelerometers.
- perform digital simulations of the sensing process in a relevant application context to assess the sensor performance and identify critical steps to be overcome for it to reach its targeted application performance. The chosen application field may depend on the candidate’s interests but could range, for instance, from autonomous navigation systems to mapping the underground.
- use the digital twin to propose ways of optimizing the sensor, such as enhancing its sensitivity, field resilience, or making it more compact and portable.
This project is a theory-based project, which will require a good understanding of quantum science and a strong appetite for modelling and simulation. The outcome of your research will effectively inform sensor design at UoB within the UK Quantum Hub for Sensing and Timing, with multiple opportunities to collaborate with experimental physicists, engineers and industrial partners. It therefore represents a great opportunity to directly contribute to the current push on quantum technologies, with excellent academic and non-academic career prospects after your PhD.
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