Summer research program 2020–21: projects

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Michael Tobar and Dr Ben T. McAllister

Contact details:

michael.tobar@uwa.edu.au; ben.mcallister@uwa.edu.au

Location:

University of Western Australia

Delivery:

On-site preferred, but Zoom is also possible if focused on a limited proportion of the total project (simulation, data analysis).

Description:

Characterisation of 3D-printed superconducting and other novel materials

Students will participate in measurements of 3D-printed superconducting samples, to characterize their losses and other interesting properties, at room temperature and ultracryogenic (millikelvin) temperatures.

Superconductors have applications in quantum technology and tests for fundamental physics, such as the hunt for dark matter.  Their low loss properties make them attractive, but their mechanical properties make them difficult to machine and produce by traditional methods.

3D printing is a continually developing field of manufacturing suitable for complex geometries.  The application of 3D printing to superconducting materials is in its infancy, with initial results showing great promise.

Duration:

8 weeks

Expected outcomes:

Students will enhance skills in cryogenics (both 4K and mK), microwave engineering and measurement, Python programming for data analysis and instrument control, and finite-element simulation in COMSOL. This project could lead to Honours/Master’s/PhD projects and potential publications.

Suitable for:

Students majoring in physics, engineering or maths.

Other information:

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Michael Biercuk and Dr Robert Wolf

Contact details:

robert.wolf@sydney.edu.au, The University of Sydney, Sydney Nanoscience Hub

Location:

University of Sydney

Delivery:

Remote working can be arranged for analytical calculation and numerical simulation projects.  On-site laboratory work is needed for experimental projects.

Description:

Large-scale quantum simulation with trapped ions

The controlled simulation of dynamics in quantum many-body systems is of central interest in the pursuit to further our understanding of phenomena such as superconductivity and quantum magnetism.  Specially designed Penning traps enable experimental investigations into these topics using hundreds of ions trapped simultaneously inside a large, superconducting magnet.  We have recently brought online the first and only such system in Australia at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub and now routinely trap large crystals of beryllium ions.  Possible summer student projects involve the characterization of coupling between the ions using a custom ultraviolet-laser system, hardware–software interfacing, hardware development and operation of the trap.  These topics involve experimental work in the laboratory as well as complementary numerical simulations, and will adapt depending on starting date and current needs.

Duration:

6 weeks (flexible)

Expected outcomes:

The students will get hands-on practice with infrared-, visible- and ultraviolet-laser systems, ion traps, radio-frequency electronics and/or programming of experimental control systems.

Suitable for:

The student is expected to have some basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and be interested in experimental physics.

Other information:

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Dr Cyril Laplane

Contact details:

cyril.laplane@mq.edu.au

Location:

Macquarie University

Delivery:

The project will involve working in the laboratory, so on-site attendance is required.

Description:

Laser spectroscopy of levitated nanocrystals

Levitated and cooled nanoparticles are prime candidates for the discovery of new physics.  They should enable the testing of the transition from quantum to classical physics.  In this project, you will investigate the spectroscopic properties of different rare-earth-ion-doped nanocrystals in an optical levitation setup. By recording fluorescence spectra of the levitated nanocrystals one can infer both intrinsic and extrinsic properties, such as internal temperature and crystal orientation in the trap.  The inferred knowledge will help to control and cool the particle’s motion, and ultimately help the creation of a ‘Schroedinger cat in the trap’.

Duration:

8 weeks

Expected outcomes:

The scholar will learn the basics of a modern quantum optics lab operation.  The scholar will use scientific programming (Python, Matlab) to implement data analysis and a little bit of experiment automation.

Suitable for:

Prior experience in optics and scientific programming is desirable.  Perfect for you if you have always wanted to know what it is like to work in a modern quantum optics lab.

Other information:

See the following link for information about the group: https://www.qmappmq.org.

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Michael Tobar and Dr Zijun Cindy Zhao

Contact details:

michael.tobar@uwa.edu.au; cindy.zhao@uwa.edu.au

Location:

University of Western Australia

Delivery:

On site preferred, but Zoom is also possible if it is highly simulation-focused.

Description:

Low-temperature electromagnetic characterisation of crystals and defects

Students will help analyse data used to characterise resonance systems based on novel crystals and their defects.  This includes but is not limited to pre-obtained temperature-depedent transmission data, along with the development and improvement of algorithms to auto-fit fano resonance and find the temperature-dependent quality factor for characterising properties of crystals.  The student also will get a chance to model the novel cavity in COMSOL and measure the cavity experimentally, depending on the progress of the project.

Duration:

8 weeks

Expected outcomes:

Students will enhance skills in Python programming for data analysis and instrument control, finite-element simulation in COMSOL, microwave measurements in room temperature and cryogenic temperature.  This project could lead to Honours/Master’s/PhD projects and potential publications.

Suitable for:

Students major in physics, engineering or math with strong programming skills and persistent interest in science.

Other information:

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Matthew Davis and Dr Tyler Neely

Contact details:

mdavis@physics.uq.edu.au

Location:

University of Queensland

Delivery:

On-campus preferred but can also be performed remotely.  Student should attend research group meetings.

Description:

Model of an atomtronic transistor

The term ‘atomtronics’ has been coined to describe the creation of electronic-circuit-like experiments using ultracold quantum gases.  This project will develop a simple model of an atomtronic transistor based on kinetic theory of gases and apply it to understand an experiment performed at the University of Colorado, Boulder.  Students will use knowledge of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics to develop a model of particle and energy flow in a three-terminal trap.

Duration:

6–10 weeks

Expected outcomes:

The model will validate or falsify the understanding described in the experimental paper.  A successful project will lead to publishing a paper describing the model and its results.

Suitable for:

Self-motivated physics students who are interested in pursuing research in theoretical and computational quantum physics.

Other information:

Please get in touch with Prof. Davis before applying for this project.

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Michael Tobar, Dr Maxim Goryachev, Dr Ben McAllister and Dr Zijun Cindy Zhao

Contact details:

michael.tobar@uwa.edu.au

Location:

University of Western Australia

Delivery:

On-site attendance.

Description:

Modelling resonators to test quantum gravity, dark matter and high-frequency gravitational waves

Optomechanical systems can be sensitive devices to test fundamental physics.  This project will use finite-element software to model optomechanical systems, such as bulk-acoustic-wave resonators, whispering-gallery-mode resonators and the interactions between photons and phonons.

Duration:

8 weeks

Expected outcomes:

Use of COMSOL software and design of new experiments.  This project could lead to Honours/Master’s/PhD projects and potential publications.

Suitable for:

Physics or engineering student

Other information:

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

A/Prof. Thomas Volz and Dr Sarath Raman Nair

Contact details:

thomas.volz@mq.edu.au, +61 (0)2 9850 8261; sarath.raman-nair@mq.edu.au

Location:

Macquarie University

Delivery:

This is a theoretical project and thus can be done remotely.  The student will be instructed and supervised via emails, Zoom/Skype, etc.

Description:

Novel microwave-cavity designs for enhanced masing action with nitrogen–vacancy centres in diamond

The student will write down an analytical model for a system of coupled resonators using standard resonator field equations and will then optimize the Q-factor using the concept of bound states in the continuum (BIC). This theoretical modelling will contribute towards the theory project on the nitrogen–vacancy maser, which will complement the nitrogen–vacancy masing experiments within the QMAPP group and will help to develop a new generation of quantum sensors.

Duration:

8 weeks

Expected outcomes:

The student will develop the knowledge of a novel cavity geometry for strong atom–cavity coupling in diamond colour centre systems.  The student will develop skills around modelling cavity quantum electrodynamics systems with Python.

Suitable for:

Suitable for Master’s or undergraduate students.  A basic knowledge of optical/microwave cavities/BIC systems is advantageous.

Other information:

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Gavin Brennen and Dr Yuval Sanders

Contact details:

gavin.brennen@mq.edu.au; yuval.sanders@mq.edu.au

Location:

Macquarie University

Delivery:

This is a theory project so can be done remotely, using communication via Zoom and email, or, if travel restrictions allow it, in person at Macquarie University.

Description:

Quantum algorithms for linear differential equations using wavelet preconditioners

In this project, you will investigate how to apply the quantum algorithm for linear systems of equations by Harrow, Hassidem and Lloyd (HHL), and advancements thereof, to instances of linear differential operators. The HHL algorithm is polynomial in condition number and sparsity of the matrix, which makes direct simulation of differential operators generically inefficient.  However, preconditioners such as those obtained using a wavelet basis representation may avoid some of these complications.  You will model the problem for some standard examples of differential equations, identify suitable observables for the output state and calculate the complexity for quantum algorithms based on this approach using preconditioners.

Duration:

6 weeks

Expected outcomes:

Exposure to quantum algorithms and numerical simulation. vTechnical report writing.

Suitable for:

Students with a good working knowledge of linear algebra and differential equations and some understanding of quantum computing.

Other information:

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Michael Biercuk and Dr Ting Rei Tan

Contact details:

//tingrei.tan@sydney.edu.au">tingrei.tan@sydney.edu.au, The University of Sydney, Sydney Nanoscience Hub

Location:

University of Sydney

Delivery:

Remote working can be arranged for analytical calculation and numerical simulation projects.  On-site laboratory work is needed for experimental projects.

Description:

Quantum computation with trapped ions

One of the most promising architectures for quantum computation and the simulation of other, less accessible quantum systems is based on trapped atomic ions confined by electric potentials in an ultrahigh-vacuum environment.  Record coherence times and the highest operational fidelities among all qubit implementations have enabled remarkable progress in recent years and, with the only two fully operational systems in Australia, the Quantum Control Laboratory works at the forefront of research in this area.  Our current efforts focus on the development and experimental implementation of new control methods and their application to practical quantum computation and simulation, e.g. of quantum chemistry.  Projects involve laboratory works including laser optics and microwave systems, as well as complementary software programming and numerical simulations.

Duration:

6 weeks (flexible)

Expected outcomes:

Students will gain knowledge on experimental techniques associated with atomic physics, and contribute to the broader mission of our laboratory, pursuing research in quantum information and quantum simulation.

Suitable for:

The student is expected to have some basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and be interested in experimental physics.

Other information:

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Matthew Davis

Contact details:

mdavis@physics.uq.edu.au

Location:

University of Queensland

Delivery:

On-campus preferred but can also be performed remotely.  Student should attend research group meetings.

Description:

Superfluidity under a quench of interaction strength in a persistent current

One of the key insights of Landau was to derive a phenomenological formula for the critical velocity in a superfluid.  In a Bose gas, this is related to the speed of sound, which is directly related to the strength of repulsive interaction between particles.  By making use of something known as a ‘Feshbach resonance’ in the scattering properties of two atoms, it is experimentally possible to tune the strength of interactions in a Bose gas.  This project will look at a ring system in which there exists a persistent current that if left undisturbed will never decay.  However, if the interaction strength is sufficiently reduced, the speed of sound will decrease below the speed of the current and the superflow will break down.  This project will characterise the non-equilibrium dynamics as the flow breaks down and thermalises.  It should be able to be related to the well-known ‘Kibble–Zurek’ mechanism for phase transitions.

Duration:

6–10 weeks

Expected outcomes:

The student will learn how to apply computational methods to solve the nonlinear Schrodinger equation.  A complete set of results with appropriate interpretation could be turned into a publication.

Suitable for:

Self-motivated second- or third-year physics students who are interested in pursuing research in theoretical and computational quantum physics.

Other information:

Please get in touch with Prof. Davis before applying for this project.

Chief Investigator and/or other supervisor(s):

Prof. Arkady Fedorov

Contact details:

a.fedorov@uq.edu.au, Parnell Bld. #306

Location:

University of Queensland

Delivery:

On-site attendance is recommended but not strictly required.  Most of the project can be performed in a remote mode.

Description:

Tuneable bandpass filter for experiments with superconducting quantum devices

Bandpass filters are widely used in experiments with superconducting quantum devices.  They are used to reject unwanted signal harmonics when generating control signals and to cut out noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio.  The frequencies of the control and readout signals have to be changed from measurement to measurement and are not known with high precision before the experiments.  The requirements on narrow bandwidth of a few megahertz and large tuning range of the order of gigahertz precludes use of commercial untuneable bandpass filters.  The aim of the project is to design a custom cavity bandpass filter with tuneable central frequency and bandwidth.  The filter will be used in the measurement setup for experiments with superconducting quantum devices.

Duration:

8 weeks

Expected outcomes:

The scholar will learn:

• Microwave measurements with vector network analyser
• Theory and design of microwave cavities
• Electromagnetic numerical simulation of three-dimensional structures
• Basic physical principles behind superconducting quantum devices

Suitable for:

Physics, engineering students with interest in quantum physics, quantum information and experiment.  Experience with microwaves, electronics, Python programming, data processing is a plus.

Other information: