Nonlinear Dynamics of Quantum Coherent Structures

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Project Detail:
The development of new quantum technologies since the beginning of the century enabled the experimental realization of quantum coherent structures containing from dozens to thousands quantum bits. Such structures are expected to find multiple key technological applications, but their development is hindered by fundamental difficulties in theoretical description and experimental evaluation of their performance.

In this project you will conduct a theoretical investigation of the phenomena emerging from the nonlinear dynamics of such structures treated as open quantum systems, using a combination of analytical and numerical techniques. While current research effort is mostly focussed on relaxation to the equilibrium states, the proposed project will encompass a number of nontrivial dynamical phenomena such as chaos, self-oscillations, noise-induced order etc. The main aim is to investigate the transition from an arbitrary initial state to a stationary regime in the presence of decoherence and external noise and the evolution of entanglement and quantum coherence during this process. The results are expected to be applied to quantum computers, annealers, metamaterials, sensors and other devices containing quantum coherent arrays.

This is an open call for candidates who are sponsored or who have their own funding. If you do not have funding, you may still apply, however Institutional funding is not guaranteed. Outstanding candidates (UK/EU/International) without funding will be considered for funding opportunities which may become available in the School.

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics or Mathematical Sciences.
A relevant Master’s degree and / or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Theoretical Physics, Quantum Information, Applied Mathematics, Dynamical Systems.

Contact details:
Name: Dr Alexandre Zagoskin
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44(0)1509 223306

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Physics, please quote reference number: PH/AZ-1/2017.

Application details:
Reference number: PH/AZ-1/2017.
Preferred Start date: April 2018
Primary supervisor: Dr Alexandre Zagoskin
Secondary supervisor: Dr Alexander Balanov