Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter Laboratory UWA
The Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter (QDM) lab at UWA has 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.
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 reference in 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.
More information
The QDM lab within the Department of Physics at the University of Western Australia welcomes highly motivated new students and researchers who want to be at the cutting edge of precision measurement in the search for axion dark matter, low-temperature physics and hybrid quantum systems. See the lab link for contact details.