PhD Studentship: Photon correlations and information dynamics in atomic ensembles and molecules

Quantum optics provides powerful methods for determining and quantifying the quantum-mechanical nature of systems and processes, providing fundamental tools for the rapidly developing quantum technologies. Quantum-optical measurements become especially intriguing in systems such as atomic ensembles, or in molecules for processes whose quantum nature remains unclear. These open quantum systems can range from Markovian (“no memory”) to non-Markovian, where information is exchanged between system and environment. The relationships between light emission, quantum coherence, and non-Markovianity therefore become important both for fundamental physics and for eventual practical applications.

In this PhD project, we will develop the theory for interrogating systems ranging from atomic ensembles to molecules. Cooperative effects are known to enhance quantum behaviour in atomic arrays [1]. We ask how the quantum dynamics changes when such systems are placed in optical cavities [2]. We have previously shown that photon correlations can reveal information about the vibrational (phonon) dynamics of a molecule’s interactions with its environment [3]. We will extend this to, e.g., complex molecules, ultimately seeking to identify photonic signatures of non-Markovianity. For sufficiently Markovian systems, the photon-photon correlations can be computed using the quantum regression theorem together with a Lindblad equation for atomic ensembles or a HEOM model of a molecular system. For non-Markovian systems one must proceed with care but methods for computing correlation functions beyond the quantum regression theorem have been proposed [4]. An ultimate goal will be to develop these to allow accurate predictions of photon-correlation signatures where non-Markovianity can be a resource for quantum-information science.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Physics, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Natural Science, Mathematics.

Mode of study

Full-time

Start date

1 October 2027

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend for 3 years. The current UEA / institutional PhD stipend rate is £21,805 and will be subject to any agreed inflationary uplift for 2027/28.

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