PhD Studentship: Metasurfaces for Quantum Systems

Join the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham for Groundbreaking PhD Research into photonic systems for atom interferometer sensors!

Are you passionate about quantum physics and photonics? Do you dream about developing the technologies of tomorrow? If so, this collaborative PhD project between the Schools of Engineering and Physics, and the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL) is the opportunity for you!

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our team as a PhD student. The aim of this research is to develop compact photonics devices for atom interferometer sensing systems. Such sensors have the potential to ‘see’ through walls, detect buried structures, detect stealth vehicles, and aid maritime navigation. Currently, however, these sensors are bulky and somewhat unstable. We hypothesise that replacing conventional bulk optical components with a specially designed metalens, which is composed nano-elements with programmable properties, will radically improve the performance of atom interferometers. This research project is, therefore, a unique opportunity to make a real-world impact by working at the forefront of nanoengineering, photonics, materials science, and cold-atom quantum systems.

What You Will Do:

• Design, develop, and prototype active photonic components that will increase the stability of the atom interferometers.
• Conduct research that aims to improve the imaging of changes to gravitational fields.
• Collaborate with a team of world-class researchers and engineers.
• Present your findings in leading journals and at international conferences.

We are offering:

• A fully funded EPSRC+iCase PhD scholarship.
• The opportunity to work with state-of-the-art facilities.
• Mentorship from leading academics and industry experts.
• Collaborative research opportunities at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Who We Are Looking For:

• Candidates with a strong background in physics and/or engineering.
• Individuals who are innovative, driven, and have a passion for research.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

If you are ready to take on this challenge and make a difference to tomorrow’s world, apply today!

How to apply:

Please email r.e.simpson.1@bham.ac.uk with your CV and cover letter. Please use the email subject: "PhD Application".

Supervisor(s):
Robert E Simpson, Miguel Cia Navarro, Michael Holynski

References:
Zhu, L., et al., A dielectric metasurface optical chip for the generation of cold atoms. Science Advances, 2020. 6(31): p. eabb6667.

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