Research Fellow in coherent control of levitated mechanics

You will join the research group of Professor Hendrik Ulbricht at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton on coherent control of levitated mechanics. 

The overarching goal of this project is to perform a coherent control experiments with a levitated particle, in the classical and ultimately in the quantum regime. We ultimately aim to generate experimental methods for putting the mass in a quantum superposition state or similar and study their decoherence over time.  

In order to reach this goal, we will use an experimental platform of levitated optomechanics matched with a suit of fast electronics (FPGA) that will allow the following achievements: 1) To rapidly repeat single-particle experimental dynamical trajectories to gain sufficient counting statistics in order to reconstruct the unique features of the delocalized quantum state; 2) To optically trap and manipulate (cool, squeeze) nanoparticles, to enable sufficient time for the wavefunction evolution into a spatial superposition state and to prove this by quantum optics analysis tools such as Wigner function reconstruction, and to realise position measurements at sufficient high resolution by optical interferometry. The experiment will open the door to a new macroscopic domain for testing quantum mechanics and ultimately the effects of gravity in the low energy non-relativistic regime -- the very regime where gravity is expected to behave like a quantum systems.

To be successful you will have a PhD* or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in experimental quantum physics or electronics or related topic.  You should have expertise in at least one of the following experimental research fields: levitated optomechanics including trapping, cooling and squeezing or optical coherent control techniques or handling FPGA electronics.

The post is available with a start date as soon as possible, and ideally by January 2026, and is initially for 12 months due to funding restrictions.

*Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in Physics and Astronomy. We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population, and in recognition we received the renewal of an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2023 and the Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status in 2019. Physics and Astronomy gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time, and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. Please visit https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/EqualityandDiversity

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