Nonlinear quantum optics with two-dimensional atom arrays

Summary

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Recent years have witnessed tremendous experimental progress in quantum optics. Reesearchers now have the ability to arrange cold atoms on a two-dimensional lattice with a subwavelength lattice period. This atomically thin material has incredible optical properties, for a example, it can completely reflect a beam of light which is unprecedented for a single-atomic layer. This project will focus on theoretically understanding the nonlinear response of these two-dimensional atomic arrays to incident light fields and to explore what types of quantum light they can produce.

Supervisor

Dr Sahand Mahmoodian .

Research location

School of Physics

Synopsis

This project will involve building theoretical models to study the nonlinear interaction of photons with two-dimensional atomic arrays. The types of quantum light that these systems can produce will be investigated.

The theoretical approach will involve a mix of analytic, pen-and-paper theory and numerical calculations.

Funding for an external stay with collaborators in Europe that work on these systems for an extended period of time is also available and such a stay is highly recommended.

Additional information

Students with HDR scholarships are welcome. For students without a scholarship, there is a scholarship available https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/d/postgraduate-research-scholarship-in-quantum-optics-theory.html

The research will be located at the School of Physics in the Camperdown Campus. Work from home/flexible work arrangements are available.

Student with experience in coding (Python or similar) and previous experience in quantum physics is desired but not a strict requirement. Further information about our new group is available here.

The additional supervisors for this project is Prof Andrew Doherty.

HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
Hold a current scuba diving license;
Hold a current Working with Children Check;
Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3011