PhD Scholarship: Quantum Optomechanical Ultrasound Sensing 1362 views

PhD Scholarship: Quantum Optomechanical Ultrasound Sensing, School of Mathematics and Physics (Faculty of Science) at the University of Queensland

Reference – Job No: 509202
Work type: Full Time – Scholarship

Project Overview

Quantum optomechanics explores the interaction between light and mechanical motion at a level where the quantised nature of light, or zero-point fluctuations of motion, play a significant role. The project aims to leverage quantum optomechanical technologies, which have traditionally been used for fundamental quantum science research, to enable the next generation of acoustic sensors for Naval applications.

Project Activities

1. Selected PhD student must first become proficient in finite-element modelling (FEM) of mechanical and optical structures using COMSOL.
2. Parallel to developing FEM simulations, the doctoral student will be trained in the advanced fabrication techniques/strategies required to reliably make high quality optomechanical devices.
3. After fabricating devices, the characterisation of sensing capabilities will require constructing a quantum limited fibre-based interferometer.
4. The final activity of this project will be to surpass the sensitivity limits set by the quantum properties of laser light, such as those in our previous demonstration of an optomechanical acoustic sensor, by exploring the use of quantum correlated light (i.e. squeezed light) to further improve sensitivity.

Fellowship: The Scholarship provides a fellowship of $40,000 per annum tax-free, indexed annually for 3.5 years plus $6,000 p.a travel budget.

Applications close: 31 Jul 2020