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Many-body photon propagation in atomic ensembles

Summary

Atomic ensembles are gasses of cold atoms that can be weakly coupled to an optical mode. These systems have been explored for many years and it was generally thought that they have a linear optical response. Very recently it has been showed that atomic ensembles have a mechanism whereby they scatter out linearly interacting photons, while they preferentially transmit photons that interact in a nonlinear fashion. Therefore, contrary to expectations, they indeed can have a strong nonlinear response. This was however only shown under the special case of very weak excitation of an atomic ensemble. This project will build a model for examining photon propagation in atomic ensembles under general conditions and examine the types of quantum light that can be produced from these atomic ensembles. 

Supervisor

Dr Sahand Mahmoodian .

Research location

School of Physics

Synopsis

In this project you will work on building a theoretical model to describe the propagation of photons through an atomic ensemble. It will also specifically examine new types of quantum light that can be generated from these atomic ensembles. Collaboration with an experimental group in Europe (Berlin) that works with these systems will also be possible.

The calculations will be first focused on pen-and-paper-type analytics but will likely also involve a significant portion of numerical calculations (writing code) involving tensor networks or other techniques to model large quantum systems.

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.

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3010

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