PhD Studentship: EPSRC iCASE PhD Studentship in Quantum sensors: Low Frequency Rydberg Atom Sensor

Number of awards: 1

Start date and duration October 2024; 4 years

Award

100% UK tuition fees paid and enhanced annual living expenses (UKRI 2023/24 £18,622 + £2,000)

Deadline 31^st March 2024

Overview

Radio Frequency (RF) sensors based on highly-excited ‘Rydberg’ atoms offer unique capabilities. Atoms are intrinsically calibrated, and their properties are universal, so measurements should be reliable and repeatable. Furthermore, Rydberg atoms offer very high sensitivity and a huge operational frequency range spanning kHz to THz. It is for these reasons that much interest has developed in Rydberg RF sensors in recent years. In this project we will build upon our recent work (Allinson et al. arXiv:2311.11935) to use the higher orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of Rydberg atoms to access lower RF frequencies in both hot and cold atomic samples. We will also perform proof of principle measurements of RF polarisation and angle of arrival using these higher OAM states.

This 4-year Ph.D. project is sponsored by Leonardo UK Ltd, a leading aerospace company and one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK MoD, with revenues of over £2bn.

At Durham, the student will perform atomic and optical physics experiments using state of the art equipment. They will help devise and build bespoke optical setups to achieve optimum sensitivity of the Rydberg-atom-based detectors. They will also be trained in the acquisition, analysis and presentation of data and to communicate the results in academic journals, conference talks and posters.  Additionally, the student will receive training in all relevant aspects of atomic and optical physics. This includes joining the cohort of graduate students in the Quantum Light and Matter group to undertake taught courses on Experimental Skills, optical design, atom-light interactions and data analysis in the first year. Furthermore, the student will engage closely with Leonardo over the four-year period with regular meetings and at least three months’ worth of placements at their Luton site.

This project may involve technologies relevant to National Security and therefore preference is given to UK nationals.

The department is committed to promoting diversity, and we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Sponsor EPSRC and Leonardo UK Ltd

Name of supervisor(s) Professor Kevin Weatherill

Eligibility Criteria

You must have or expect a First Class honours Bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated Master’s degree or a Master's degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).

Applications open to Home and international/EU candidates. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in all sub-skills).

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s applicant portal

You will need to:

• State QLM in the 'Field of Study' section.

• attach a covering letter and CV
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.

Contact

For informal enquiries contact k.j.weatherill@durham.ac.uk

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