Quantum sensing with optically addressable electronic spins in the solid state holds great potential to push the limits of conventional sensing methods. By leveraging the single-spin sensitivity intrinsic to optical read out, such systems offer exciting prospects such as magnetic-resonance imaging at the nanoscale, opening a range of applications from understanding biological systems to mapping the structure and dynamics of novel materials and devices.
Since spins naturally couple to magnetic fields, most solid-state spin-based quantum sensing applications to date have focused on magnetic-field sensing. However, several important studies have shown how spins can sensitively detect non-magnetic quantities including electric fields, strain, and temperature. Such functionality opens exciting prospects such as nanoscale thermometry of biological systems and offers low-background sensing methodologies due to the use of spin-based detection. However, new quantum sensing platforms with improved coupling to non-magnetic quantities are needed to realise this potential.
In this project, available in the Quantum Optospintronics Group at the University of Glasgow, you will investigate how the versatility of optically addressable molecular spin systems can be used to realise effective spin-based detection of non-magnetic quantities such as electric fields, strain, and temperature. Using optically detected magnetic resonance of a range of candidate molecular systems, you will experimentally explore such couplings and use this to inform design principles which can be used to develop improved quantum sensing platforms. Through this work you will develop a range of expertise including qubit control, quantum-optical measurements, spin resonance, and molecular spin/photo-physics, and have an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of novel quantum sensors.
About the group
The Quantum Optospintronics Group explores the spin and optical properties of molecular materials and devices with applications spanning quantum information processing, energy harvesting, and sensing. We have state-of-the art capabilities including for cryogenic confocal microscopy, electron/nuclear spin resonance, and single-spin detection, and as part of a dynamic group—which spans solid-state physics, quantum engineering, physical chemistry, and materials science—you will have significant opportunities to shape an exciting research agenda.
Application details & further information
We are committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment in all our activities. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups which have been historically under-represented in STEM subjects/research.
Applicants should ideally possess a degree or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
Further details on the application procedure and funding (available through EPSRC Doctoral Training Awards) are available at:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/phdopportunities/
https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/electronicsnanoscale/
Please also see https://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/ for a list of additional scholarship opportunities.
To learn more: please see our Quantum Optospintronics Group webpage and get in touch with Dr. Sam Bayliss (sam.bayliss@glasgow.ac.uk) to discuss this project further. (Please get in touch as far in advance of the deadline as possible.)
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