Quantum sensing for fundamental science and practical applications

A position is available at the Queensland Quantum Optics Laboratory for enthusiastic, talented and highly motivated students to undertake PhDs in quantum and precision sensing.

Our laboratory takes the quantum technologies developed for kilometre-scale gravitational wave observatories and miniaturises them onto a silicon chip to create precise sensors. We apply those sensors to fundamental physics and practical applications. For instance, to study strongly interacting quantum materials (e.g. Sachkou, Science, 2019), to improve sensing and communications in aerospace applications (E.g. Bennett, Sensors, 2021), and to improve medical technologies such as ultrasound and imaging systems (e.g. Madsen, Nature Photonics 2021; Casacio, Nature, 2021).

Our sensors have redefined the state-of-the-art, for instance extending the best sensitivity of ultrasound sensors by a factor of 100, allowing the precise detection of magnetic fields without cryogenics, and enabling quantum dynamics to be observed for the first time in a strongly-interacting superfluid. This makes it an exciting time to join our lab.

Our laboratory is a positive environment, full of young people seeking to make a difference to both our understanding of the world around us and to future technologies. We have longstanding collaborations with partners including NASA and Lockheed Martin, seeking to take our research into applications. You can find more information about us here: https://qo.lab.uq.edu.au/.“