The Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter Laboratory

The Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter (QDM) lab is led by Chief Investigator Michael Tobar. They have a long history of research in precision measurement, materials characterisation, electron spin and spin wave resonance spectroscopy, novel ultra-high Q-factor resonators and sensors, and the development of frequency stable, low phase noise instruments with world-class precision and performance. One such device, the Cryogenic Sapphire Oscillator, is now found in metrological laboratories around the globe, and has allowed atomic fountain clock technology to reach its ultimate performance, as well as being used in some of the most precise tests of fundamental physics ever performed. The group’s research has also led to a number of practical technologies that have been successfully patented and commercialised.

Look inside the lab!

The lab offers access to:

  • Two 4 K pulse-tube cryogenic systems, one 30 K system, three BlueFors cryogen-free dilution refrigerator capable of reaching sub 10 mK and a large 7 and 14 Tesla magnets.
  • The lab is well equipped with many sophisticated microwave diagnostic technologies such network analysers, synthesizers, and spectrum analysers from RF to millimetre wave frequencies.
  • A hydrogen maser which is distributed as a frequency referencein addition to several Cryogenic Sapphire Oscillators developed in-house that allow microwave signals to be synthesized with frequency stability of better than 1 part in 1000 trillion.  


The FQM laboratories also maintain equipment for the comparison of clocks with NMI in Sydney over GPS Carrier Phase and Two-way Satellite technology.

Staff

Current Students

  • Our group undertakes research projects that cover a broad spectrum of interests, ranging from engineering to fundamental physics. Some of our projects include:
  • Quantum Metrology within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS).
  • Advancing the Cryogenic Sapphire Oscillator – one of the world’s most stable frequency sources.
  • The Ytterbium Lattice Clock.
  • Space applications: Ground Station for the European Space Agency's ACES mission.
  • Low noise frequency and phase synthesis and measurement techniques.
  • Testing Lorentz invariance by measuring speed of light isotropy, in collaboration with Humboldt University of Berlin.
  • Measurement of electronic and magnetic properties of materials.
  • Novel high-Q microwave and millimetre wave resonators.
  • Laboratory based searches for Weakly Interacting Slim Particles.
Last updated 16 August 2024
Last reviewed 7 July 2015

Major funding support

Australian Research Council

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.