Multi-photon correlation interferometers for quantum metrology technologies and fundamental tests

Project code: SEES3230217- PHYSICS PHD

Multi-photon interference is one of the most intriguing phenomena in quantum physics at the very heart of quantum computing and metrology technologies. In the conventional linear optics approach to quantum metrology the measurement process ignores the information about the photon’s physical parameters, such as their temporal-frequency spectra. Full multi-photon interference then relies on the need to produce identical single photons, which is a strong constraint for practical applications. The project aims to overcome this key challenge with a totally innovative approach based on correlated measurements of photonic degrees of freedom (time, position, frequency, etc.) of non-identical photons leading effectively to multi-photon correlation interference. This approach therefore takes full advantage of the information encoded in accessible photonic quantum states in order to provide a completely novel versatile platform of multi-photon interferometric schemes for quantum enhanced metrological sensitivity with single-photons experimentally available. In particular, through an interdisciplinary effort at the interface between quantum optics, quantum metrology and general relativity, this project aims to theoretically develop:

- High-precision phase-estimation interferometers with realistic photonic sources;
- Fundamental tests of multi-photon quantum interference and nonlocality in curved spacetime.

Profoundly driven by the scientific ambition to achieve the ultimate range of applicability of multi-photon correlation interference in quantum technologies and fundamental tests, this project will undertake a two-fold mission. From a fundamental point of view, it will provide a new level of understanding of the physics and metrological sensitivity of multi-photon correlation interference in flat as well as in curved space time. This will lead to innovative fundamental tests at the border between quantum mechanics and general relativity. From a practical point of view, it will allow the development of new quantum technologies for phase estimation, with potential imaging and biomedical applications, such as measuring the protein concentration in biological samples and enhanced phase contrast microscopy.

This project will be part of a larger research programme aimed at developing an entirely novel versatile platform for quantum technologies for high-precision sensing, metrology and ultrafast quantum computing with strong impact in security, communication, and imaging. Indeed, two complementary PhD projects will be also carried out in the area of quantum information based on multi-photon correlation interference in collaboration with the University of Nottingham. Therefore, the PhD student will have the possibility to be part of a highly interactive research team and she/he will benefit of an international research environment and of the expertise of prominent theoretical scientists in research areas related with the project at the interface between quantum optics, quantum metrology and general relativity. She/he will also interact with leading international experimentalists collaborating with the research team toward the experimental realization of the theoretical results foreseen in the project.

The PhD student will also benefit from the South-East Physics network (SEPnet), which is a regional collaboration of nine universities including Portsmouth. Indeed, the SEPnet graduate network provides technical, professional and leadership skills programme, career advice, including employer engagement, internships and other employer-led workplace experience. Furthermore, the PhD student will have the possibility to participate in the SEPnet summer schools (e.g. quantum technology school) as well as Physics lecture series and colloquia hold by prominent Physics scientists from international institutes. She/he will also be encouraged to present her/his work at collaboration meetings as well as research conferences, including SEPnet conferences, and will receive training for outreach research activities to help her/him promote her/his work and develop her/his career.

HOW TO APPLY ONLINE:
(i) Select Subject area as: Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (from the drop down menu in box 1)
(ii) Select Mode of study as FULL TIME (in drop down in box 2), and then
(iii) Select a course as PHD (EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES) in drop down in box 3, and finally
(iv) Select a start date as 2/10/2017 in box 4.