Quantum optomechanics is an emerging and yet very active area of research in the UK and worldwide. By harnessing the coupling of light to mechanical motion, quantum optomechanics provides new opportunities to further our understanding of quantum theory and develop quantum sensing applications. A major challenge for future quantum optomechanical devices is enhancing the optomechanical strength combined with limited sources of loss. Recently, superfluid helium 4 (4He) was suggested as a promising material for quantum optomechanics. As a natural quantum fluid, superfluid 4He holds several advantages for a mechanical system, such as vanishing losses at very low temperature.
For this project, the student will develop novel hybrid superfluid-based optomechanical systems, using nanoscale superfluid acoustic resonators coupled to compliant membranes and high-finesse superconducting microwave cavities. The candidate will benefit from the group’s experience in superfluid optomechanics to develop these new devices to enhance the optomechanical coupling strength. Exploiting these developments, the student will study the quantum coherent coupling regime in superfluid optomechanics, and the prospects to use these devices as quantum memories. Using the great flexibility in the proposed architecture’s design, the student will develop a new class of devices, enabling a broad range of quantum sensing applications.
Scientific Environment:
The project is based in the London Low Temperature at Royal Holloway University of London. We are part of the European Microkelvin Platform, a European Advanced Infrastructure supported by Horizon 2020. The student will be included in the postgraduate teaching programme of GRADnet of the South East Physics network (SEPnet). This proposed PhD project benefits from national and international collaborations.
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